When an 8 000-year-old pearl was identified as the oldest ever found, it made global headlines. The natural pearl was found in 2019 during archaeological excavations at Marawah Island in Abu Dhabi, one of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The pearl industry was once the cornerstone of the UAE’s economy, when the nation’s pearl divers used to plunge to depths of up to 20 meters to harvest the precious gems. But during the 20th century, the industry was overtaken by the oil boom and pearl diving almost disappeared altogether.

The UAE’s Environment Agency in Abu Dhabi (EAD) is partnering with FAO to revive the Emirate’s pearl industry in the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf. It is part of a broader collaboration between FAO and the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment that focuses on introducing sustainable aquaculture and building a sector that creates jobs, protects the environment and supports livelihoods in the long-term.

Ahmed Esmaeil Alhashmi, Executive Director of EAD’s Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector, said: “Pearl diving was once a risky profession but provided seasonal employment and an opportunity for wealth and prosperity. It was never merely a trade or a means of subsistence, but an entirely integrated social system which has nurtured a rich heritage of traditions. EAD has now found a method to revive Abu Dhabi’s pearling past through sustainable modern practices.”

In addition, FAO is working with the UAE to build a sustainable aquaculture sector that can contribute to food security, promote education about the environment and build a future for young people. It also sees potential for eco-tourism.