CURATED Experiences
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Dubai’s Pearl Diving Era – Heritage Boat Tour

Sail back to a time when the sea shaped the lives, livelihoods and stories of Dubai.
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About The Experience

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Aboard a traditional wooden Jalboot, embark on a 60-minute cultural journey into the pearl diving era a time when pearling was at the heart of life in Dubai and across the Arabian Gulf, long before the discovery of oil.

Beginning with the story of Al Jadaf and its connection to Dubai’s maritime heritage, your local Emirati guide will bring the pearling era to life through the experiences of the people who depended on the sea. Discover the traditional occupations of the time, the different boats that sailed the waters of the Arabian Gulf, and the remarkable crew members who spent months at sea in search of natural pearls.

Get a closer look at the tools and techniques used by pearl divers before modern diving equipment, learn about the different types and shapes of pearls, discover the tools used by pearl merchants, and hear about the pearling seasons that once determined the rhythm of life along the coast. You’ll also uncover the stories of Dubai’s pearl merchants and the important role they played within their communities.

Throughout the journey, enjoy the warmth of Emirati hospitality with traditional Arabic coffee and dates as the Jalboot carries you through Dubai’s maritime past.

More than a boat tour, it’s a journey into an era when the sea was a way of life and every pearl carried a story.

What’s Included

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• 60-minute journey aboard a traditional-style jalboot
• A knowledgeable cultural guide throughout the experience
• Introduction to Al Jadaf and Dubai’s maritime heritage
• Stories about life in Dubai during the pearl-diving era
• Introduction to traditional occupations connected to the sea
• The story of pearling and its importance to communities before the discovery of oil
• Introduction to traditional boats and how they were used
• Stories about the pearl-diving crew and the different roles and responsibilities aboard the boat
• Demonstration of traditional pearl-diving tools and techniques using heritage samples
• Introduction to different pearl shapes and types
• Insights into the traditional pearl trade and the tools used by merchants
• Stories about pearl merchants and their role in the local economy and community
• Introduction to the pearl-diving seasons and the challenges faced by divers and their crews
• Traditional Emirati hospitality with Arabic coffee and dates
• Opportunities to ask questions and engage with the stories throughout the journey
  

What’s Not Included
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• Transportation to and from the experience location is not included.
  

Weather & Operational Conditions
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As this is an outdoor experience on Dubai Creek, the journey may occasionally be affected by weather, water conditions, visibility, operational requirements or instructions from the relevant authorities.

For the comfort and safety of our guests, the route, departure time or experience may be adjusted, rescheduled or, where necessary, cancelled if conditions are unsuitable.

We will always do our best to communicate any significant changes as early as possible.

Boarding & Safety
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Guests will need to board and disembark from the boat, which may involve steps and movement between the dock and vessel.

Please follow the instructions of the captain, crew and experience team at all times. Guests should remain seated when requested and avoid leaning over the sides of the boat.

Children must remain under the supervision of their accompanying adult throughout the experience.

Meeting Point & Special Instructions
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Meeting Point: Inside Dubai Festival City Mall - Near Market Island foodcourt main entrance

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/PrsfD4sT5f8ezjE68

Timing & Arrival: Guests are kindly requested to arrive 10–15 minutes before the scheduled departure time to allow sufficient time for check-in and boarding.

The boat departs promptly at the time stated in your booking confirmation. As you may be joining other guests and the experience follows a scheduled journey, we are unable to delay departure for late arrivals.

Guests who arrive late may miss the departure and may not be able to join the experience once the boat has left.

During Your Experience
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We invite you to listen, ask questions and imagine what life at sea was like for the generations of people whose livelihoods were connected to pearling and maritime trade.

Photography is welcome, but we kindly ask guests to be respectful when photographing crew members, other guests and people along the journey.

More than a boat tour, this is a journey into Dubai’s pearl-diving era — discovering the people, traditions and stories that once connected life in Dubai to the sea.