Ocean71
Menu

Culture, Economy

Pearls of the Gulf © Francis Le Guen / OCEAN71 Magazine

The pearl treasure of the Gulf

Show on Google Maps

File summary

  1. Diving amongst the depths of the Persian Gulf
  2. The world's most ancient pearl
  3. Creek's treasures
  4. In Ali Baba's cave

Before the black gold made some families of the Arabian peninsula immensely wealthy, nomades settled down along the southern side of the Persian Gulf and risked their lives by fishing the earliest source of wealth in the region : pearls. Today, the practice has disappeared, but the Emirates still possess one of the most fabulous pearl’s treasure in the world. Here is an investigation on a well kept secret.

Other files

  • Gallery The ruins of Jazira Al Hamra © Philippe Henry / OCEAN71 Magazine

    Red Island’s mysterious village

    Culture, Economy – 1 chapter

    The United Arab Emirates is well known for its passion for extravagant skyscrapers and constructions, its exuberance and its financial power thanks to oil and gas. The emirs even try to conceal their relatively poor nomadic tribes’ history. Along the coast, we managed to find one of the last old villages of fishermen, abandoned. It is said to be haunted…

  • High seas entrapment

    Sailing – 6 chapters

    On February 8, 2010, Alinghi and BMW-Oracle disputed the 33rd edition of the legendary America’s Cup. Behind the two sea monsters, two businessmen have been waging a merciless war for two years. An investigation on the four corners of the world, at sea and on land.

  • The end of the Great Barrier Reef ?

    Ecology, Economy – 3 chapters

    The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is known as one of Earth’s greatest natural wonders. Despite its size, its very existence is threatened by environmental, touristic, industrial and commercial aggressions. Will we allow its beauty to become a mere memory ? OCEAN71 Magazine investigates.