How to Dive for Pearls in Kuwait

A treasure like this is the best memorable keepsake one can bring home from Kuwait.

Not even the finest pearl jewelry purchased at a store can compare to the joy and experience of diving for pearls in Kuwait. An important aspect of Kuwait's culture, pearl diving is an activity enjoyed by tourists and locals alike. The activity was once a source of income for the economy of Kuwait, and today this historical culture is still preserved. Pearl diving lures tourists to Kuwait and if practiced properly, it can be an enjoyable and memorable activity.

Instructions

1. Wait until June to travel to Kuwait for pearl diving. June is Kuwait's pearl diving season during which a large number of Kuwaitis participate in this cultural activity each year as part of pearl diving festivals. According to Kuwait's official website, "Such festivals are a tribute to men who dedicated their lives to the pearling industry." Tourists are also allowed to participate once they undergo proper training.

2. Ask at the hotel where you are staying or visit a nearby port to find out more information about pearl diving and training. Water sports equipment dealers located near the cost of Kuwait are the place to go for pearl diving courses and equipment. Equipment in Kuwait is not available for renting; it has to be bought.

3. Train in diving and sailing with experienced divers unless you already know how to dive and sail. Part of the training includes meeting with experienced captains and old divers who will explain pearl diving and familiarize you with the equipment.

4. Get all the necessary pearl diving clothing. It consists of a traditional wazar, which is a wrap-around skirt, diving trunks and T-shirt. You will also need a fotam (nose clip), dieng (neck basket) and hajer (toe anchor.)

5. Help prepare the dhow, or ship, if you desire since you will be diving with a group of divers and will most likely not get your own ship. Any cracks in the ship should be filled with cotton dipped in shark oil and the hull of the ship should be smeared with noora, a mixture of shark oil and powder. During these pearl diving festivals, many organized groups with ships are available for those willing to participate once training is completed.

6. Dive into the water once the ship stops at a place where the pearls are located. You will have a rope tied around your waist, which is secured to the ship's railing.

7. Dive into the water and look for pearls in oyster shells, placing them into the basket around your neck. Once you are done and ready to come up to the surface, tug the rope, which a helper holds the entire time. The helper will then pull you up. Usually a dive lasts about one minute, so you have to dive deep as quickly as possible.

8. Take part in qafal, which is the end of the festival. It is celebrated with traditional singing and dancing in many parts of Kuwait. You will have relived a legacy of Kuwaiti culture.

Tips & Warnings

• Take part in all of the pearl diving festivities to get a feel of the culture of Kuwait and experience a significant activity.

• Do not insist on diving without first brushing up on diving skills and techniques with a professional pearl diver. You will be diving to about 10-15 feet below the water.

References

• MapsOfWorld.com: Kuwait Pearl Diving
• Kuwait.info: Kuwait Touristic Attraction

Resources

• The New York Times- Kuwait City Journal: Diving For Pearls, and a Connection to the Past