Pearl diving has a long history in the Gulf region, with evidence of the pearl trade dating back to the Roman Empire. A major source of income, pearls were initially traded to India, Persia, and the Ottoman Empire. The pearl trade boomed in the 1900s, with pearls exported to Europe, Asia and North America. By the 1930s, this golden age ended due to the emergence of cheaper cultured pearls and the discovery of oil and gas.

To witness remnants of Qatar’s pearl trading past, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Al Zubarah. The fort has been transformed into a museum where visitors can explore artefacts from the pearl diving. You’ll also see glimpses of Qatar’s pearling past at the Al Jassasiya Rock Art Site and abandoned fishing villages like Al Jumail and Al Areesh. 

Pearls are celebrated throughout the country, including the Qatar Pearl Monument on the Corniche, the Pearl Island, Souq Waqif and Souq Al Wakrah pearl markets, and the oyster-inspired interiors of the Doha Metro. At the National Museum of Qatar, you’ll see prized pearl jewellery pieces and special artefacts like the Baroda carpet – embellished with thousands of Gulf seed pearls. 

Qatar hosts regular events to connect younger generations with their maritime past. The Senyar Festival by the Katara Cultural Village Foundation features pearl diving competitions, while the Katara Traditional Dhow Festival hosts family-friendly workshops and contests like pearl diving, rowing and ‘swordfishing’. 

Visitors can find an excellent selection of genuine pearl jewellery at fine retailers across the country. For the best deals, head to Souq Waqif and the Gold Souq. Here you can shop for natural, cultured and freshwater pearl jewellery. The annual Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition (DJWE) is an important showcase for Qatar pearls, where the country's leading jewellery connoisseurs honour local culture.