Do this because

Unearth the treasures of Dubai’s pearl diving legacy and discover the crucial role it played in the development of the city's economy and culture

Enjoy an exclusive visit to Al Shindagha Museum especially designed for National Geographic travellers as your guide brings to life the story of pearl diving in Dubai

Step into the world of a pearl diver, take an exclusive look at their tool kit, and participate in a Nahma music performance

Experience a live oyster shucking demonstration exclusive to National Geographic travellers and learn how to remove the pearl from an oyster, which has been sourced responsibly from a sustainable farm for this activity

Access

Immerse yourself in the destinations and attractions you explore through exclusive access and hands-on experiences based on National Geographic’s existing relationships around the globe.

Knowledge

Discover the world through the lens of National Geographic as National Geographic-trained guides and local experts share their knowledge and passion of the places and locations you visit.

Give back

Experience meaningful explorations with a commitment to sustainable tourism, with all tours meeting the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria and a portion of proceeds dedicated to fund research.

Local immersion

Become inspired to care about the planet and its people by gaining a deeper understanding of the communities and inhabitants of the places you visit through interaction and insights into their daily lives.

Storytelling

Be a part of the story of each destination you visit through the unparalleled content and research from National Geographic you’ll be exposed to, making you reflect on different current realities.

What to expect

Discover the fascinating world of pearl diving and its cultural and historical significance for the UAE on this exclusive National Geographic Day Tour. Upon arrival at Al Shindagha Museum, you will experience a traditional Emirati welcome with offerings of dates and coffee and meet with your host - an Emirati cultural guide.

The day starts with a guided tour of the Culture of the Sea pavilion, where you’ll be immersed in the UAE’s fishing and pearling industries. Observe how the walls come alive with tales of courageous divers venturing into the Arabian Gulf in search of treasures. With a pearl diving expedition virtual reality, observe divers’ resilience as they brave the deep to find prized jewels.

Afterwards, enjoy some light refreshments inside a Majlis – a traditional sitting room used for gatherings. Taste Arabic coffee and a local date-based sweet, Batheetha, popular with peal divers during their voyages.

Step into the shoes of a pearl diver as you come face to face with their tools, learning how they were made and used. As an exclusive experience for National Geographic travellers, you'll have a unique opportunity to attend a live oyster shucking demonstration. Master the process of opening the shell using time-honored tools and removing the pearl from inside.

The tour ends with a Nahma performance, a working chant performed to raise the morale of crew during their quests. Hear, sing and participate in the guided musical circle that takes you through the emotions and events of pearl divers.

Important to know

Know in advance:

terrain type is flat
the tour is suitable for wheelchair users and people who struggle to walk distances
accessible alternative available
snacks included are coffee, water, dates, and other Emirati delicacies
toilets are present on site
this tour runs with a min. of 4 people and max. 20 people