In a city known for its skyscrapers and luxury, the Pearl Museum at Emirates NBD offers something very different. It’s a peaceful space that takes visitors back in time to explore an important part of the UAE’s heritage—pearl diving. While Al Shindagha Museum tells the wider story of the country’s history and culture, the Pearl Museum focuses deeply on one chapter: the pearl trade and the lives of those who worked in it.
By Appointment Only
The Pearl Museum is located inside the Emirates NBD headquarters in Deira. It is not a public museum in the usual sense—you need to make an appointment to visit. This gives the place a personal feel, and guided tours help bring the history to life. It may be small and quiet, but it holds great value and meaning.
The Importance of Pearls in the UAE’s History
Long before the discovery of oil, the UAE’s economy depended on the sea. Fishing and pearl diving were essential for survival. From as early as the 7th century until the early 20th century, the Arabian Gulf was known around the world for its high-quality natural pearls. These pearls were traded across Asia and Europe and were seen as rare and beautiful treasures.
A Tough Life Underwater
Pearl diving was not just a job—it was a way of life, but a hard one. Divers would jump into the sea holding a nose clip and a stone to help them sink quickly. With no modern equipment, they would stay underwater for about a minute to collect oysters. This process was repeated many times a day under the hot summer sun.
The diving season, known as “ghaus,” lasted from June to September. During this time, divers and sailors lived on wooden boats called dhows. It was exhausting, dangerous work, but it built strong bonds between crew members and supported whole communities.
The Man Behind the Museum
The Pearl Museum owes much of its existence to Sultan Al Owais—a respected poet, businessman, and former chairman of the National Bank of Dubai. He donated his private collection of natural pearls to the bank with one goal: to preserve the memory of a tradition that shaped the region. His collection is now the heart of the museum.
What You’ll See Inside
The museum features hundreds of natural pearls, each unique in color, shape, and size. Visitors can see loose pearls as well as traditional pearl jewelry. These are not cultured pearls—they were all found naturally, one oyster at a time. There are also tools used by divers, old photographs, and stories from the past that show what life was really like during the pearl diving days.
Telling the Human Story
What makes the Pearl Museum special is how it tells human stories—not just facts. It shares the voices of the men who worked at sea, their struggles, their teamwork, and even the songs they sang to keep their spirits up. It shows the strength, bravery, and skill needed for pearl diving, helping us understand and respect their way of life.
The End of an Era
Pearl diving began to fade in the early 20th century. This was due to two main reasons. First, cultured pearls from Japan started to take over the market, making natural pearls less valuable. Then, in the 1950s and 60s, oil was discovered in the Gulf. As the oil industry grew, the UAE’s economy changed, and pearl diving slowly disappeared. Still, the legacy of the pearl trade lives on, and the museum plays an important role in keeping those memories alive.
Connecting the Past and Present
The Pearl Museum is a powerful reminder of how far the UAE has come. It shows the journey from a tough, sea-based life to today’s modern cities. But it also highlights something deeper: the values of hard work, courage, and respect for nature that still shape the country today.
A Valuable Experience for All
For young Emiratis, the museum offers a chance to learn about their roots. For visitors and tourists, it gives a deeper understanding of the UAE beyond shopping malls and tall buildings. And for anyone interested in history, it’s a unique experience you won’t find elsewhere.
Part of a Bigger Story
While the Pearl Museum is not inside the Al Shindagha Museum, the two are closely connected by theme. Al Shindagha Museum, located near Dubai Creek, explores many parts of UAE life—government, trade, food, storytelling, and maritime traditions. Together, both museums help paint a complete picture of how the UAE was built and what continues to shape it today.
A Visit Worth Planning
Because the Pearl Museum can only be visited by appointment, it requires a bit of planning. But it’s worth the effort. It offers a quiet and powerful look at the UAE’s past. It’s not about modern technology or flashy displays—it’s about memory, heritage, and real stories.
A Tribute to the Sea and Its People
In a fast-growing city like Dubai, it’s easy to forget the past. The Pearl Museum helps us remember. It honors the people who worked at sea, the beauty of the natural pearls they found, and the spirit that helped build a nation. In its own quiet way, it keeps the soul of the old UAE alive.
Also read: Al Shindagha Museum – UAE’s History and Culture Meet the Fun of Trick Art
