One of the most urban and popular cities in the world today is Abu Dhabi. Serving as the capital of the United Arab Emirates and a global hub of commerce and finance, Abu Dhabi is one of the best destinations for the high-end tourists. Its classy hospitality industry, dazzling attractions, and unique culture, makes it quite the intriguing location. Among the many luxury hotels in Abu Dhabi, one of that offers tranquil accommodation and plush service is the Eastern Mangrove Hotel & Spa by Anantara.
One of the oldest industries in Abu Dhabi is its pearling industry. For several centuries, the Arabian Gulf was known to be the world’s richest source of pearls, and served as the means of income for many settlements around the Arabian Gulf. Throughout the ages the region supplied the world with beautiful pearls, which gave rise to its own industry, complete with own skills and traditions. Although much of these old skills and traditions have evolved with time and technology, history remembers the great efforts taken by the men of the industry to ensure the supply of pearls.
It is to tell the tale of the pearl industry that the Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey was commenced. Visitors can embark on this tour and gain insights on how the pearling industry operated. The tour involves embarking a Jalboot (a traditional dhow used for pearling), which is furbished with traditional Arabian cushions. While on the journey an Emirati will narrate to you the skills the olden day pearlers possessed, such as being able to dive over 40m into the water and collect hundreds of oyster shells to find pearls. You will also be taught the right way to open an oyster shell, and even receive a souvenir pearl, making it one of the best educational and entertaining tours. Along the way a range of foods and snacks are served, along with local liquor, to make the journey all the more memorable.
Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.
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