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.
Nat Geo Day Tour: Dubai’s Pearl Diving Legacy
This experience meets the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria. By choosing this experience you can protect the places you love, care for the environment and support local communities.
- Unearth the treasures of Dubai’s pearl diving legacy and discover the crucial role it played in the development of the city's economy and culture
- Enjoy an exclusive visit to Al Shindagha Museum especially designed for National Geographic travellers as your guide brings to life the story of pearl diving in Dubai
- Step into the world of a pearl diver, take an exclusive look at their tool kit, and participate in a Nahma music performance
- Experience a live oyster shucking demonstration exclusive to National Geographic travellers and learn how to remove the pearl from an oyster, which has been sourced responsibly from a sustainable farm for this activity
Entrance fees
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Guided tour
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Water
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Snacks
Entrance fees
Visitor Centre – Al Shindagha Museum - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Know in advance:
- terrain type is flat
- the tour is suitable for wheelchair users and people who struggle to walk distances
- accessible alternative available
- snacks included are coffee, water, dates, and other Emirati delicacies
- toilets are present on site
- this tour runs with a min. of 4 people and max. 20 people
What people say about this experience
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