All about the Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey tour
The history of the UAE is connected to the sea. The pearl diving industry significantly impacted the capital and the rest of the country. Archaeologists have found evidence of pearling in the region that dates back thousands of years. The Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey experience attempts to educate visitors about the trade history in the emirate and give them insight into the sacrifices, efforts and skills of those who helped build this land. Here is all the information about the Pearl Journey tour.
ABU DHABI PEARL JOURNEY – THE EXPERIENCE
Did you know that the world’s oldest-known natural pearl was found in Abu Dhabi in 2019? The discovery of the 8,000-year-old object further highlighted the importance of pearling in the history of the modern emirate.
There are many interesting facts about the history of Abu Dhabi, and the pearl trade is one of them. The Pearl Journey Abu Dhabi programme is a project of Embrace Arabia, a division of Maestro Enterprises FZ L.L.C. The expert team has many consultants on board who are knowledgeable about the country’s history, customs, business practices and lifestyle.
Pearl Journey Abu Dhabi is a unique sailing experience in the serene Eastern Mangrove located in the Arabian Gulf. Here is how you can be part of this incredible journey and learn about the emirate’s rich history in the process.
PEARL JOURNEY ABU DHABI TOUR
Your tour begins at the Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel, where you will be asked to board a Jalboot, a traditional dhow used for pearling. This will start your journey between Abu Dhabi and Hudayriat Island.
You can enjoy Arabic coffee and dates as Emirati guides explain how their forefathers were experts at finding valuable pearls to trade or manufacture jewellery. The interactive Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey highlights the ingenuity and bravery of those who were involved in the practice.
Historians believe that crew members on these pearling expeditions had to bear four months at sea to be successful in their quest.
Guests will also have time to soak in the stunning views of Abu Dhabi’s Eastern Mangroves. The mangrove is home to various fauna like flamingos, herons, egrets and other sea birds. Apart from dates and coffee, you can enjoy traditional Arabic snacks on the ship as it continues its journey.
Perhaps the most rewarding part of the Pearl Journey Abu Dhabi is when visitors try opening an oyster shell with the help of a maflag. Once you can open it, the staff will teach you how to find the pearl inside. Your finding will also serve as a gorgeous souvenir from your trip.
In case your oyster is empty, the staff will help you open others until you are successful in finding a pearl!
ABU DHABI PEARL JOURNEY PACKAGES
Several local companies offer Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey tours. Here’s our pick of the top packages where you can experience Emirati culture at its best.
AL-BADEYAH EYES TOURISM
This tourism company is located at the Marina of Anantara Hotel. The guests can park their cars at the main entrance parking area of the hotel. The package includes cruising through mangroves, photography, oyster opening demonstration and traditional snacks. They operate seven days a week, so you can book a tour with them any day of the week.
- Timings: 09:00 am – 08:00 pm
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Price: From AED 500
- Location: Office no. M5, M-40, Mussafah
- Contact: +971-2-445-2644
Please note that the boat can accommodate only 18 people at a time.
DESERT WORLD
The Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey tours offered by Desert World are unique. A tour starts with the crew member explaining the pearl diving industry. The pearl divers sing folk songs known as “hoyamal music”, followed by a demonstration of how pearls are extracted from oysters.
- Timings: 06:00 am – 07:00 pm
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Price: From AED 350
- Location: Hamdan Street
- Contact: +971-56-384-0613
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I WANT TO GO FOR THE ABU DHABI PEARL JOURNEY. WHO DO I CONTACT?
You can contact local tourism companies such as Desert World and Al-Badeyah Eyes Tourism to book a Pearl Journey tour in Abu Dhabi.
CAN I BOOK A PEARL JOURNEY WITH ANANTARA HOTEL ABU DHABI?
Yes. You can definitely book a Pearl Journey with Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel. You can contact the hotel at +971-2-656-1000 or visit their official website for more details.
HOW LONG DOES A PEARL JOURNEY TOUR IN ABU DHABI TAKE?
The Pearl Journey takes approximately 2 hours.
WHERE CAN I GO SCUBA DIVING IN ABU DHABI?
You can go scuba diving in Abu Dhabi at Sir Bani Yas Island, Saadiyat Reef and Dalma Islands.
That concludes our guide to the Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey. If you live in the city or plan to visit the capital, this tour can be worth your while. It’s particularly educational and entertaining for children.
The history of pearl diving in the UAE has greatly impacted the region’s economy. So, the programme merits a visit. Also, if you really love the place and want a home here, you can consider moving to the Eastern Mangroves Complex.
The cover image credit goes to Visit Abu Dhabi.
