How did pearl diving shape the UAE’s identity before the discovery of oil?

Long before oil wealth transformed the region, the UAE's coastal communities thrived on pearl diving—a trade rooted in unity, bravery, and prosperity. At Suwaidi Pearls in Ras Al Khaimah, visitors can now step into that legacy, learning how divers tied stones to plunge deep into the sea, nose clips on, in search of natural pearls. Myths surrounding pearls—from Cleopatra’s luxurious drink to moonlit drops swallowed by oysters—highlight their enduring symbolism of power and beauty. Pearl diving wasn’t just an economic lifeline; it was a unifying cultural force. Have you explored this part of UAE’s heritage? Share your thoughts or memories below!

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