Abu Dhabi, UAE – At just 21 years old, Khaled Al Hammadi is carving out a unique path in a centuries-old Emirati tradition—pearling. As the first member of his family to take up pearling, Khaled's deep connection to the sea has shaped his ambitions to master this ancient craft.
Hailing from Dalma Island, Khaled was drawn to the ocean from an early age. “Growing up here, diving into the waters is a part of life,” he explains. His love for the sea was nurtured by his father, a fisherman, and through his early experiences with fishing and free-diving. This fascination with the ocean and its treasures eventually led Khaled to the world of pearl farming.
In 2023, Khaled became a part of the Abu Dhabi Pearl Centre after the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) launched a pearl farming initiative. As a pearl operation technician, he now practices intricate techniques that involve seeding oysters to produce high-quality pearls. His drive to become an expert in the field is evident in his dedication to mastering the craft.
“I’m determined to become a pearl expert,” says Khaled, noting that it takes years of experience to truly understand the nuances of producing pearls. “It’s not something you can learn in just a year or two,” he adds, having already spent over a year working at the Pearl Centre.
The Art and Science of Pearl Farming
Pearl farming is a delicate process that requires patience and precision. At the Pearl Centre, Khaled is responsible for inserting small shell beads and mantle tissue into oysters, triggering them to secrete nacre, which eventually forms pearls. Despite the technical nature of the process, Khaled enjoys the challenge. “Every mistake can harm the oyster, so you have to be careful,” he explains.
Visitors to the Abu Dhabi Pearl Festival have the opportunity to witness Khaled’s work firsthand. The festival, held annually at the Pearl Centre in Al Mirfa, allows the public to observe the seeding process and learn about the sustainable practices employed by the Centre to produce the region's pearls. Visitors can also see how oysters are cleaned and prepared for seeding in underwater nursing cages.
Sustainability in Pearling
While pearl diving is currently illegal in Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Pearl Centre operates under strict environmental regulations. Each year, the Centre captures approximately 100,000 oysters, with around 80,000 surviving the seeding process. The goal is to produce between 20,000 and 25,000 pearls annually, which are primarily used for gifting and artistic projects.
Khaled's journey reflects a broader effort to preserve and promote the tradition of pearling, ensuring it aligns with modern sustainability practices. As he continues to hone his skills, his ambitions are clear: to lead in a field that has sustained the UAE’s maritime heritage for generations.
