Suwaidi Pearl Farm

Abdulla Al Suwaidi's grandfather was a pearl diver, and the farm at Al Rams was set up to keep the trade alive after cultured Japanese pearls and then oil ended it here in the twentieth century. Visitors go out by boat to the beds in the creek, see the oysters brought up and opened, hear how natural pearls were found and graded, and are shown the diving equipment: the nose clip, the finger guards, the stone weight and the rope. It is the only such operation in the country.

What you actually see

• The oyster beds - cultured oysters grown in the creek and lifted on the tour.
• The diving equipment - nose clips, finger guards and stone weights of the old trade.
• The opening - oysters brought up and opened in front of visitors.
• The family history - the trade explained by descendants of the divers.

When to go

October to April; tours run at set times and must be booked. Sea conditions can cancel the boat. Summer heat on the water is severe.

Honest expectations

Booking is required and the farm does not take walk-ins. Tours are short and the retail element is prominent. Boat trips are cancelled in poor weather with little notice.

Nearby

Dhayah Fort is south, and Ras Al Khaimah city is beyond it.