Pearl Diving in Bahrain

The Kingdom of Bahrain, located on the southwestern coast of the Arabian Sea, is entering its peak tourist season. The comfortable temperatures provide ideal conditions for exploring Bahrain's rich pearl diving culture. Visitors can experience pearl diving and explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Pearling Path." Bahrain is known as the "Island of Pearls" due to its proximity to underwater freshwater springs, which produce high-quality pearls. Bahrain's pearl diving industry has a history of over 4,000 years, and in the 19th and early 20th centuries, it was a pillar of Bahrain's economy. Visitors to Bahrain can learn about Bahrain's pearl diving culture through the following three activities: 1. Explore the Pearling Path The UNESCO World Heritage Site Pearling Path is located on Muharraq Island near Bahrain's capital, Manama. It is a 3.5 km long path that connects 17 buildings in the historic district of Muharraq, as well as three oyster farms. In the 19th century, the pearl industry was an important part of Bahrain's economy, and this cultural site commemorates this brilliant historical heritage. The Pearling Path also includes parts of the natural coastline and the archaeological site of Bu Maher Fort, which has a rich historical connection to Bahrain's maritime and pearl diving heritage. 2. Pearl Diving Pearl diving is an important part of Bahrain's cultural heritage and offers interested visitors a unique opportunity to experience this traditional activity. Licensed diving centers Scuba Life and Delma Marine offer pearl diving programs that take visitors deep into Bahrain's maritime history. During the dive, visitors can collect up to 60 oysters and keep the pearls they find as souvenirs. A pearl diving pass costs about 5 Bahraini Dinars (about 96 RMB), making it an exciting experience for everyone. 3. Watch a Fjiri Performance Visitors can also immerse themselves in the soulful songs of Fjiri, a traditional musical performance that celebrates Bahrain's pearl diving history. Fjiri has been recognized by UNESCO and included in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It combines music and dance, captivating listeners. This performance dates back to the late 19th century and was traditionally performed by pearl divers and pearl boat crews to express the hardships they faced at sea. Fjiri includes a choir and a soloist, accompanied by the simplest percussion instruments such as drums and cymbals. Visitors can witness this fascinating tradition at Dar Al Muharraq on the Pearling Path, a music house dedicated to the art of Fjiri. Whether you're a history buff, an adventurer, or a culture enthusiast, Bahrain's pearl experience will leave you with unforgettable memories.