Pearl divers set to test skills Tuesday, 01 June 2010 07:06

BY RAYNALD C RIVERA

DOHA: Thirteen dhows anchored in Doha yesterday all set to sail for the first-ever GCC Traditional Pearl Diving Competition which starts today.

“All of the participating teams from GCC countries have arrived today, except for Kuwait who arrived two days back, for the competition which starts tomorrow morning,” said Hamad Al Tamimi, General Manager of Qatar Marine Festival Organising Committee, the organiser of the event. Students, VIP guests and the media will be given a chance to witness the competition tomorrow, according to Al Tamimi.

“Students and other invited guests will sail aboard three dhows which will be leaving from the Corniche at 1pm tomorrow,” said Al Tamimi adding a trivia contest would be held for the guests making the event both exciting and informative.

Al Tamimi said everything will be traditional from the tools to the costumes of the 16 members of each team which includes divers, pullers, and team captains.

He also said the technical committee has ensured safety of all participants equipping them with a radio to call in case of emergency. Speed boats are stationed with medical teams all ready to respond anytime during the course of the three-day competition.

“I’m very happy this competition has been organised as it demonstrates the culture of pearl diving being introduced to the young generation. It also bonds GCC countries,” Khalifa Rashid, consultant of the Kuwaiti team told The Peninsula.

The 74-year-old diver said he had been passionate about pearl diving since he was nine. Interestingly, he can identify the best spot where oysters could be located even at night through experience and using old methods like looking at the stars.

“This is part of my roots and our history and culture and I think it is my mission to pass this legacy to future generations,” Rashid said of his passion for pearl diving. “Being a ‘nokhetah’ (captain) is a title which along with it entails a major responsibility since he is not only a competent leader in navigation and survival but a father figure as well,” he said. The Persian Gulf is one of the best sources of high quality pearls but the industry has been left on the wayside with the rise of oil industry. Qatar’s pearl diving competition is one such initiative to revive the culture of pearl diving.  The Peninsula

“This competition will be held annually and this inaugural contest will pave way for a bigger and better one next year,” Al Tamimi said. 

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