VIRTUAL VOYAGE TAKES YOU BELOW THE SURFACE OF GULF’S PEARL DIVING PAST
▶ Culture chiefs in Ras Al Khaimah have launched an interactive VR educational experience, writes Ruba Haza
UAE residents can now set sail on a voyage of discovery through the country’s rich pearl diving past – without leaving dry land.
Culture chiefs in Ras Al Khaimah turned to technology to create a new virtual reality history lesson on pearling.
Staff at the emirate’s Antiquities and Museums Department set out to educate younger generations about the importance and perils of pearling, which played a central role in the Arabian Gulf economy before the discovery of oil.
In the 19th century, pearl diving accounted for as much as 95 per cent of the region’s income, and at its height early in the 20th century, about 80,000 men worked on pearling vessels – 22,000 in the Trucial States alone.
“Pearling formed a large part of the region’s economy years ago and was considered the most dangerous and difficult profession at that time,” Ahmed Al Teneiji, general manager of the department, said.
“Pearl diving is difficult to demonstrate and thoroughly explain, so we decided to let people experience it through technology and virtual reality.”
The department devised the plan nine months ago and has since collected a treasure trove of data about pearling and enlisted companies experienced with VR technology to help transform a bright idea into a reality.
Using a VR headset and motion controllers, users can relive the life of a pearl diver.
“This technology allows the public to experience pearl diving and face the challenges their grandparents encountered,” Mr Al Teneiji said. “The experience starts with a short introduction of pearling history while on a boat, and then each tool used is explained to the user.”
Tools that are explained include a nose clip, made from turtle shell or sheep’s bone, to hold the diver’s nose closed to prevent water from entering, a cowhide glove to protect divers’ fingers while picking oysters and a woven bag that divers used to wear around their necks to hold the oysters they collected.
“The user will then dive into the water and start searching for pearls,” he said.
The experience can take up to five minutes.
At the end, a sailor called Al Yallas will count the number of oysters collected by the diver and open them to look for pearls.
“They will learn how to collect pearls, open them and get information about their types,” Mr Al Teneiji said.
“It is part of our heritage that we intend to keep and pass it on to the future generations.”
The VR device will be displayed at the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah and will also be used for school visits, festivals and cultural events.
The department is also considering creating more VR experiences with virtual models of archaeological sites and other traditional professions.
The new technology was launched at Corniche Al Qawasim Innovation Festival on Wednesday and proved a hit with visitors.
“It is a very entertaining and educational experience that is hard to achieve in the real world,” Humad Al Shehhi, 26, said.
“They tell you about the pearling history and techniques and let you dive to look for pearls.”
Ali Al Shalish, 9, also had a blast with the past.
“I enjoyed it a lot and didn’t want to it to finish,” he said. “I will tell all my friends and classmates that I learnt something new about the UAE and how the Emiratis used to dive for pearls in the past.”