Nat Geo Day Tour: Dubai’s Pearl Diving Legacy

Discover the fascinating world of pearl diving and its cultural and historical significance for the UAE on this exclusive National Geographic Day Tour. Upon arrival at Al Shindagha Museum, you will experience a traditional Emirati welcome with offerings of dates and coffee and meet with your host - an Emirati cultural guide.

The day starts with a guided tour of the Culture of the Sea pavilion, where you’ll be immersed in the UAE’s fishing and pearling industries. Observe how the walls come alive with tales of courageous divers venturing into the Arabian Gulf in search of treasures. With a pearl diving expedition virtual reality, observe divers’ resilience as they brave the deep to find prized jewels.

Afterwards, enjoy some light refreshments inside a Majlis – a traditional sitting room used for gatherings. Taste Arabic coffee and a local date-based sweet, Batheetha, popular with peal divers during their voyages.

Step into the shoes of a pearl diver as you come face to face with their tools, learning how they were made and used. As an exclusive experience for National Geographic travellers, you'll have a unique opportunity to attend a live oyster shucking demonstration. Master the process of opening the shell using time-honored tools and removing the pearl from inside.

The tour ends with a Nahma performance, a working chant performed to raise the morale of crew during their quests. Hear, sing and participate in the guided musical circle that takes you through the emotions and events of pearl divers.