• Pearl Diving was one of the main occupations of Kuwait in the early days, before the huge oil reserve was discovered.

• Pearling proved to be very beneficial for the economy of Kuwait.

• Pearl Diving has become an integral part of the Kuwaiti culture. • Pearling was a major source

of wealth.•Moreover, the Kuwait Pearl

Diving also reflects an important aspect of the Kuwaiti culture.

• Fifty years ago Kuwait was self sufficient in marine foods and, despite a 20-fold increase in population, fishing still provides 50% of the country’s seafood requirements.

• But stocks are being depleted through overfishing and the breeding grounds are being polluted by increased sediment due to marsh-draining in southern Iraq.

• The Kuwaitis used to travel to the harbors of the Gulf and the Indian Ocean to transport goods and conduct trade, which was known as traveling .

• Kuwaiti merchants would sail to distant locations in locally built sailing dhows. • Many were involved in pearl diving, boat

building and general trading. • Fishing provided an essential food for the locals.