The first Arabian pearl farm in the world

As the region’s first cultured pearl farm and the only traditional pearl farm in the UAE, Suwaidi Pearls is a leading national institution in Ras Al Khaimah and the nation’s only remaining pearl farm that provides locally sourced pearls to jewelers worldwide.

Abdulla Rashed Al Suwaidi belongs to the esteemed Al Suwaidi family, whose history is deeply intertwined with the pearling era of the Gulf, tracing back to the 12th and 13th centuries under the Julfar dynasty. Pearling was not just an industry but an integral part of the culture and traditions of the Julfar villages, his family’s ancestral homeland. The Al Suwaidi lineage has been connected to the jewel of the ocean for over 7,000 years, with generations dedicating their lives to the art of pearl diving. This legacy continued into the 20th century with Abdulla’s grandfather, Mohammed Bin Abdulla Al Suwaidi, among the last pearl divers of the family’s storied history. For centuries, countless diving families relied on pearling as their primary source of livelihood and wealth, shaping the identity and heritage of the Gulf region.

"I have a symbiotic relationship with pearls, and my pearls symbolize wisdom, and I believe this organic gem is the subject of many myths and legends. I narrate pearls as the mystical treasure of the earth and represent the purity, generosity, integrity, and loyalty of the people who have them. Therefore, the history and legacy of my ancestors and their intimate relationship with the pearls has inspired and made me who I am, whilst my high esteem for these oceanic gems has driven me to secure their heritage and future." — Abdulla Rashed Al Suwaidi.

Excerpts from an interview with Abdulla Rashed Al Suwaidi.

What makes the pearls from Ras Al Khaimah extraordinary compared to those from other parts of the world?

Our pearls are unique because they come from the first Arabian pearl farm in the world. For the first time in the Gulf’s pearling industry, Arabian cultured pearls—known as Suwaidi Pearls—are cultivated in the Gulf seas. This initiative bridges the past and the future, carrying forward the region’s legacy from natural to cultured pearls. We began our cultured pearl journey in 2005 and have cultivated some of the finest pearls from the Arabian seas. Mastering the intricate techniques of pearl cultivation, I have overseen the growth of over 100,000 pearls on our farm in Al Rams, Ras Al Khaimah.

The Arabian pearl oyster is highly sensitive to disease and extreme weather conditions, making every pearl a miracle. Unlike synthetic gemstones, cultured pearls require a delicate balance of natural conditions, expertise, and sustainable farming practices. Achieving high-grade pearls with exceptional luster demands knowledge, patience, and a long-term commitment to environmental responsibility.

Arabian pearls have historically been revered for their unparalleled beauty. Their reputation for perfection spans centuries, yet the industry experienced a pause in the late 1920s. In 2005, I took it upon myself to revive this lost heritage, reinstating the Arabian pearl industry to its rightful place. Our oysters share the same genetic traits as the legendary Arabian natural pearls, producing 13 exquisite colors—from radiant white to deep blue, with shades of gold, pink, green, and more. For discerning clients, owning a Suwaidi Pearl is not just about luxury—it’s an investment in history, sustainability, and cultural preservation. I do not see my work as creating something new; rather, I am continuing the timeless legacy of my ancestors, ensuring that the story of Arabian pearls lives on for generations to come.

How have pearl cultivation techniques evolved in Ras Al Khaimah over the years?

Pearl cultivation is a meticulous process shaped by the unique environmental conditions and the delicate nature of the oysters. The process can be broken down into six key steps:

• Breeding – We breed natural oysters on the farm for 3 to 6 months.

• Preparation – Adult oysters are carefully prepared for the seeding operation, which

• takes about 6 months.

• Seeding – A nucleus is implanted into the oyster, initiating the pearl formation process.

• Post-Operation Monitoring – The oysters are closely observed for 30 days to ensure successful adaptation.

• Growth & Nurturing – The oysters develop nacre around the nucleus over the next year, forming the pearl.

• Harvesting – After one year, the pearls are harvested.

  
  

In the past, uncertain endeavor. Divers would collect hundreds of thousands of oysters, yet only 1% would yield pearls. For every 100 oysters harvested, perhaps one small pearl would be found; for every 1,000 oysters, only about 10 pearls, with just one possibly achieving the ideal luster and size.

Today, our cultivation techniques have significantly improved these odds. When we seed 1,000 oysters, we achieve a 60% success rate, harvesting around 600 pearls of varying grades. These advancements have helped revive the Arabian pearl industry while preserving its historical essence.

Could you share a story highlighting the significance of pearls in the local community? What role do pearls play in Ras Al Khaimah’s cultural identity and heritage?

Pearls have always been deeply intertwined with the identity and survival of the people of Al Rams in Ras Al Khaimah. The pearl divers and their families endured immense hardships, driven by faith and an unbreakable spirit.

In the past, divers would set out to sea for months, braving marine hazards, illnesses, and encounters with dangerous sea creatures like jellyfish, sharks, barracudas, and sawfish. Their diet consisted of dates, coffee, fish, and oyster meat, sustaining them through grueling expeditions. Despite these hardships, they remained hopeful, singing folklore songs and chanting as they navigated by the sun and the sea’s depth.

On land, the women of Al Rams played an equally vital role. They managed households, cared for the elderly and children, and took on responsibilities left behind by the men. They prepared musk, saffron, and amber in anticipation of welcoming their fathers, brothers, husbands, and sons home. Each evening, they gathered to sing songs of the sea, pearls, and the journeys of their loved ones, praying for their safe return.

The moment of homecoming was bittersweet— some never returned, but those who did brought stories of resilience and hope. As their boats approached the shore, their chants would echo with the oars, marking the end of one voyage and the beginning of another.

This enduring legacy remains alive in the hearts of our people. For me, pearls are more than just gems; they symbolize wisdom, purity, and the resilience of our ancestors. Their story inspires me every day, and my commitment is to ensure that the heritage of Arabian pearls continues to thrive for future generations.

What sustainability measures are in place at your pearl farm to minimize environmental impact?

Sustainability is at the heart of our pearl farming practices, as the environment plays a crucial role in growth. The lagoon in Al Rams benefits from fresh rainwater cascading down from the mountains, enriching the seawater with oxygen and enhancing oyster health. Cultured pearls are a natural product, relying on the same biological processes as their wild counterparts. A clean and unpolluted environment is essential for healthy oysters and high-quality pearls.

Our oysters act as natural water filters, continuously purifying the surrounding waters. Each oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water daily, removing pollutants such as nitrogen and phosphorus and contributing to marine pollution. This process improves water quality, benefiting the entire ecosystem.

The Al Suwaidi family’s history with pearls dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries and is deeply rooted in the culture and traditions of the Gulf. Al Suwaidi’s ancestors, part of the Julfar dynasty, were renowned pearl divers, a legacy carried forward to the 20th century by his grandfather, Mohammed Bin Abdulla Al—Suwaidi. This rich heritage has been the foundation of Al Suwaidi’s profound connection with pearls and his dedication to preserving this ancient tradition.

Our farm is also profoundly committed to marine conservation and education. Through visitor programs and outreach initiatives, we raise awareness about the importance of protecting our oceans. We aim to inspire people to become advocates for marine conservation, fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Additionally, oyster reefs play a vital role in coastal protection. They act as natural buffers against storm surges and erosion, helping mitigate climate change's impacts. By maintaining and restoring these reefs, we contribute to the resilience of coastal ecosystems.

In all our operations, we minimize the use of plastic and avoid harmful chemicals, opting for recyclable materials whenever possible. Our farm runs on solar power and green energy, reinforcing our commitment to sustainable and responsible pearl farming.

By prioritizing sustainability, we ensure that Arabian pearls remain a symbol of beauty and heritage and a testament to our dedication to preserving the environment for future generations.