Dubai to host international pearl seminar in November

The aim of the project is to revive the UAE's pearling tradition and highlight it as the keystone of the country's cultural identity, according to organisers.

The international convention is hoped to attract investors and industrialists to revive and promote the pearl industry.

"The convention will lay the foundation for a remarkable and unique revival that gives us back our wonderful history within the pearl industry," said Khaled Al Sayegh, Chairman of the Pearl Revival Committee. "Historically, the world's best pearls came from the Gulf. They were naturally created and collected by breath-holding divers. The discovery of large deposits of oil put an abrupt end to pearl industry in early 1930's. Those who once fished pearls sought prosperity in the economic boom ushered in by the oil industry," he pointed out.

One of the key aspects of the convention is the auction of the world's second largest natural pearl following 'The Pearl of Asia' with an approximate value of $8 million along with some of the world's rarest and most sought after pearls.

Part of the revival imitative would be an industry report that will outline the economical and commercial potential of the pearl market. All funds raised from the event will be used to revive the virtually defunct regional pearl industry. Revival of the pearl industry is expected to boost the region's economy as a whole, which is now trying to tap more from non-oil industry.