Inaugural Abu Dhabi Pearls Festival Celebrates Rich Heritage and Promotes Sustainable Aquaculture
AL MIRFA CITY, AL DHAFRA REGION — The inaugural Abu Dhabi Pearls Festival concluded last Thursday after a vibrant seven-day showcase of the emirate’s rich pearling tradition, emphasizing the significant cultural and economic role that pearls have played in the United Arab Emirates. Hosted by the Environment Agency—Abu Dhabi (EAD) at the Abu Dhabi Pearls Centre, located in the scenic Al Mirfa City, this festival was imbued with educational, interactive, and recreational activities that sought to connect younger generations with their historical heritage.
This pioneering event highlighted the commendable efforts of the Abu Dhabi Pearls Centre, which is actively engaged in advancing sustainable practices and innovative techniques in pearl oyster aquaculture. By celebrating the emirate’s unique maritime history, the festival aimed to foster a sense of national pride and identity among all attendees.
Ayesha Hassan Al Hammadi, Unit Head at the Abu Dhabi Pearls Centre, articulated the festival’s primary ambition: “Our goal is to promote ecotourism and raise public awareness about the rich history and sustainability efforts associated with pearling.” She proudly noted that the center successfully harvests between 20,000 to 25,000 pearls annually, showcasing the potential for this industry to thrive sustainably.
The festival included a myriad of activities, ranging from hands-on workshops to informative exhibitions about the historical context of pearling and the practices involved in sustainable cultivation. Khaled Khaleel Al Hammadi, a technician at the center, provided insights into the intricate process of cultivating pearls. He explained that EAD employs spat collectors arranged as floating ropes in seafaring environments to gather oyster spat. This young stage of oyster life remains in the water for a year, allowing sufficient time for settlement before they are carefully relocated for further cultivation.
Once the oysters reach the age of two, a nucleus, crafted from the shell of a freshwater mussel, is carefully inserted into the live oyster’s body. The oysters are then returned to their natural seascape for another two years, fostering an environment in which they can develop their distinctive pearls. Throughout this period, staff from the Abu Dhabi Pearls Centre meticulously monitor the oysters, ensuring their optimal health and vitality. Upon completion of this growth cycle, the harvested pearls undergo a cleansing process utilizing natural salt to unveil their inherent luster.
The pearls produced by the center are distinguished by their varying colors, sizes, and luster grades, classified from AAA to A—representing very high, high, and medium quality, respectively. The quality assessment encompasses several factors, including color, size, surface clarity, and density. This meticulous classification not only assures the quality of the pearls but also educates consumers about the factors influencing pearl value.
Visitors to the festival encountered diverse exhibits that tailored educational experiences, such as interactive displays showcasing the tools utilized in the pearling process and the broader environmental efforts in sustainable cultivation. School students comprised a significant portion of the audience, with many expressing enthusiasm about their newfound knowledge. One attendee, Mohamed Al Hammadi, shared, “Attending the Abu Dhabi Pearls Festival was a remarkable experience. I truly valued the opportunity to learn how pearls are cultivated and the differences that set them apart.” His reflection signifies the festival’s impact on engaging the youth and instilling a sense of appreciation for traditional crafts.
The Abu Dhabi Pearls Festival not only celebrated the emirate’s historical connection to the pearling industry but also served as a vibrant platform for discussions on sustainability and marine conservation. The festival’s successful execution reflects a broader commitment on the part of the UAE to honor its cultural heritage while simultaneously embracing innovative ecological practices.
As the lights dimmed on the inaugural Abu Dhabi Pearls Festival, the profound impact of such cultural undertakings was palpable. The festival not only strengthened ties to the past but also forged a pathway for future generations to appreciate and sustain the legacy of one of the UAE’s most cherished traditions—the art of pearl cultivation.
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