Satellite image of the Arabian peninsula.
Earth Satellite Corporation.
Science Photo Library.

"The desire for pearls is a thing which is found in all nations." Abu Rian Al-Biruni, Persian Scholar

Some of the best natural pearls in the world came from the oysters living in the warm, shallow waters of the Gulf.

The oldest known Gulf Pearl was found in Kuwait by archaelogists, is 7000 years old, has a drill hole and was thus probably part of a necklace.

Other examples have been found at Al-Buhais in Sharjah and Al Door a hill type settlement in Umm Al Quwain. Ancient Mesopotamian texts describe how pearls came from the fabled lands of Dilmun (Eastern Arabia), while greek accounts refer to their beauty.

Pearls came to represent wealth and power from the shores of India to the Mediterranean and beyond.

Folio from a 19th century transcript of a work
by Ibn Sina who died in1047/438H, showing
representations of astronomical motion,
Juma Al Majid Centre, Dubai.

'Should you decide to enter the tumultuous sea ...'

From a poem by Captain Rashed bin Fadil Al bin Ali (1874-1959/1291-1378H), published in Majari al-Hidayah, Routes of Guidance, A pearl diver’s guide to the oyster-beds of the Gulf, Arab Gulf States Folklore Centre, 1988/1408H. Originally published in arabic by Captain Rashed bin Fadil Al bin Ali in Bahrain (1920/1338H).

Pearling and pearl trading relied on the expertise of Arab sailors who were sophisticated navigators.

Detailed manuals were developed, often using poetry to help sailors memorize the seas and coasts.

Such accurate knowledge of astronomy, sea routes, currents and winds, particularly of the monsoons, carried Arab traders between Africa, India and China and contributed to the wealth of the great Islamic empires.