Oldest pearl found in UAE

Discovery is proof that pearls, oysters were used nearly 8,000 years ago

Archaeologists working at a Neolithic site on Marawah Island have just discovered the oldest known natural pearl in the world, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT) announced in a statement yesterday.

Dubbed the Abu Dhabi Pearl, it was found by archaeologists in layers that were carbon dated to 5,800-5,600 BCE. According to the DCT, the discovery is proof that pearls and oysters were used in the UAE nearly 8,000 years ago, and represents the earliest known evidence for pearling yet discovered anywhere in the world.

Pearls were precious elements during the Neolithic period, falling into the category of luxury and used for adornment.

The priceless and historically significant Abu Dhabi Pearl will feature in the upcoming Louvre Abu Dhabi exhibition 10,000 Years of Luxury. It will be on display to the public for the first time since its discovery. The exhibition will run from October 30 to February 18, 2020.

“The Abu Dhabi Pearl is a stunning find, testimony to the ancient origins of our engagement with the sea. The discovery of the oldest pearl in the world in [an island off the coast of]

Abu Dhabi makes it clear that so much of our recent economic and cultural history has deep roots that stretch back to the dawn of prehistory.

Marawah Island is one of our most valuable archaeological sites, and excavations continue in the hope of discovering even more evidence of how our ancestors lived, worked and thrived,” said Mohammad Al Mubarak, DCT chairman said.

Prior to this discovery, the earliest known pearl in the UAE was uncovered at a Neolithic site in Umm Al Quwain. Ancient pearls from the same time have also been found at a Neolithic cemetery close to Jebel Bu Hais in Sharjah.