guys the pearl is on again.

The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre has launched a project known as Pearls of Dubai which will include a pearl farm located off the coast of Dubai, an educational centre and a retail outlet. The project aims to regenerate the traditional pearl industry in the UAE and covers the production of the pearls right through to their eventual sale. The recently announced Dubai Pearl Exchange will also provide a trading platform.

good news, finally some concrete info on this one.. btw where did you find this?

cool this sounds great.

I'm not sure but i have a pictrue from The Pearl. This Island is between Palm Jebel Ali and Palm Jumeirah.
Do you mean this?

http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/9316/dsc00250ds3.jpg

^^ yes that should be it but I wont be surprised if they have changed plans and relocated this to somewhere closer to the shore since what's seen in that picture was only a draft

this will be totally different from this old pearl project.

wasn't the old pearl project a scam?

^^ that was another pearl.. not an offshore project like this one.. that was along the lines of falcon city

hmmm...its good to see that they havent forgotten what initially help to make Dubai into a trading hub. Sounds v.cool!

R

straight from the horse's mouth:

Dubai's Pearl industry to be revived

* DMCC unveils “Pearls of Dubai” joint venture with Arrow Pearls from Broome, Australia
* Multifaceted pearl project to include pearl farm, interpretive centre and retail destination
* Dubai brand pearls to be produced at offshore pearl farm
* Training for UAE nationals to be key component

Dubai, May 6, 2007: The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) announced today, the launch of “Pearls of Dubai”, an integrated pearl centre that will include a pearl farm, interpretative concept and a retail destination. The Centre will be a showcase for a new brand of Dubai pearls that will be produced at a pearl farm located off the coast of Dubai. “Pearls of Dubai” will also develop and train UAE national talent in all aspects of the pearl trade.

The aim of this ambitious project is to revive the UAE’s distinguished pearling tradition and embed it as the keystone of the Emirates’ cultural identity. Similar to other DMCC projects, “Pearls of Dubai” will develop the entire value chain of the industry from production to retail. The recently announced Dubai Pearl Exchange will form an integral part of this chain by providing an exclusive trading platform.

In addition, DMCC announced that the offshore farms will produce Dubai brand pearls, which will also be known as “Pearls of Dubai.” The branded pearls will be certified as adhering to specifications determined by DMCC, carrying an identity hallmark defining their provenance as pearls produced in the waters of Dubai.

“Pearls of Dubai” will be established as a joint venture between DMCC, a Dubai government initiative and Arabian Gulf Pearls DMCC, the Dubai-based office of Arrow Pearls of Broome, Australia.

Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chief Operating Officer, DMCC, said: “’Pearls of Dubai’ demonstrates DMCC’s commitment to re-establishing the UAE as the leading destination for pearl diving and trading. It will bring together the best of the UAE’s pearling tradition and modern technological advancements of pearl farming.”

He added: “Most importantly, “Pearls of Dubai” will offer extensive training programmes for UAE nationals aspiring to join the pearl industry, thereby taking the industry back to its roots in the Gulf. The centre will focus on generating interest among young UAE nationals through interactive and interpretative programmes.”

Stephen Arrow of Arrow Pearls Australia, said: “We are extremely pleased to be associated with DMCC as we launch this exciting project to revitalise the traditional pearl diving culture of the region. In the past, pearling was the backbone of the region’s economy, and we are glad to participate in the revival of this tradition.

He concluded, “The Arabian pearl diving tradition reached the far off shores of Northern Australia about 140 years ago. That event initiated the formation of the small pearling town of Broome in remote Western Australia where my family has worked in the pearling industry for the past 28 years. Today, we are returning to the region where it all began and we bring with us the pearling industry of the 21st century. We look forward to the challenges that lie ahead. We are excited that the people of the U.A.E. have such a great natural passion for the pearl.”

The centre will comprise an interpretative concept showcasing all facets of the historic pearling in the UAE, including the diaspora of the pearl diving tradition across the Indian Ocean as far as Australia and Tahiti. Visitors to “Pearls of Dubai” will be given the opportunity to observe life under the sea, as if they themselves were pearl divers, passing through an acrylic tunnel beneath the sea in a purpose built pearling marina. Traditional dhows will transport visitors to areas within the marina to give them a real-life modern pearling experience. Maritime legends and myths of the Dubai region will also be replicated through the pearl museum to provide value-added entertainment.

R

Krazy i think you are wrong on this.

the other "pearl" WAS an offshore project.

Finally, i was shocked when i was in Dubai 2 weeks ago & i heard the building work had stopped as i had just read in Gulf News property section that someone was selling there nearly ready apt on the pearl. Cheeky f*****s what do they think we are:weird: :weird: :bash:

DMCC plans pearl trading hub at The World
By Shakir Husain, Staff Reporter
Published: February 25, 2008, 23:40


Dubai: Dubai is setting up a pearl trading centre to strengthen its position in the jewellery trade and capitalise on the UAE's cultural heritage to attract more tourists.

The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), which is behind the Pearls of Arabia project on the "Antarctica" island of The World, said it will provide a "free trade environment" for pearl traders.

The destination will have a pearl-themed cultural heritage centre, a performing arts theatre, an exhibition gallery and a themed restaurant alongside boutique shops for leading pearl fashion houses.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


"Pearls of Arabia presents age-old wisdom in a modern and contemporary fashion to revive the region's historic legacy for the benefit of future generations," said Ahmad Bin Sulayem, DMCC executive chairman, referring to the UAE's early pearl diving traditions. He did not say how much the project would cost. The centre will comprise 6,000 square metres and will be completed in 2010.

It is being developed in association with Australia-based Paspaley Pearling Company.

Dubai officials believe the pearl centre will further boost Dubai's status as a commodities trading centre. Gaiti Rabbani, executive director of DMCC's coloured stones and pearls division, said Dubai will begin promoting the project among industry players from April. A global pearl industry award is also being planned to create more awareness about the city.

Rabbani said easy rules and a tax-free business environment will help in attracting pearl companies to the planned hub.

She said initiatives are planned to set standards for the pearl industry to create consumer confidence, similar to what has been achieved by Dubai's gold trade.

R

Reviving a timeless tradition in Dubai
By Shakir Husain, Staff Reporter
Published: February 28, 2008, 00:39


Dubai: The almost extinct Gulf heritage in pearl trading is set to be resurrected in Dubai. However, this revival is a far cry from the old days of pearl diving when divers spent weeks searching for the treasure hidden in oysters.

When the Pearls of Arabia project is completed in two years, creating a pearl business hub on "Antarctica" at The World manmade island cluster, the new face of the pearl trade in Dubai will reflect the progress the city has seen since the pre-oil era.

Led by the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), Pearls of Arabia is designed to serve as a hub for retail and wholesale pearl traders. It will also become a tourist attraction in the city, which is targeting 15 million tourists in 2015.

"This project is the first stage of Dubai's plan to re-establish the emirate as a centre for the global pearl trade," DMCC said.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Last year Dubai set up an exchange to provide a platform for pearl trading.

The 6,000-square-metre Pearl of Arabia features a themed cultural heritage centre, a performing arts theatre, an exhibition gallery and a seafood restaurant alongside boutiques to be run by top pearl fashion houses.

Dubai will invite leading international names in the pearl industry to set up shop in the city. Visitors will travel to the pearl destination by ferries that will serve The World archipelago of 300 islands.

Officials did not get into the specifics of the project, but made their ambitions clear.

Ahmad Bin Sulayem, executive chairman of DMCC, said Dubai is seeking "inspiration from our heritage to build a brighter tomorrow".

He said pearling was the lifeblood of Arabia less than a century ago and accounted for some 80,000 jobs in the UAE alone. Pearling represented 95 per cent of the country's revenues.

"Pearls of Arabia presents age-old wisdom in a modern and contemporary fashion to revive the region's historic legacy for the benefit of future generations," Bin Sulayem said.

DMCC did not say if pearl farming will be part of the project, which is being implemented in association with Australia's Paspaley Pearling Company.

"Historically, Dubai served as the world's hub in the trade of fine-quality natural pearls. Now, almost 100 years later, we are delighted to collaborate with DMCC to revitalise the region's traditional association with pearls," said Nicholas Paspaley, executive chairman of the Australian company.

"Together, we will resurrect Dubai's reputation as one of the world's premier and most important pearl destinations. Dubai will present to the world the best selection of pearls and pearl jewellery that the 21st century pearling industry has to offer, and will showcase the beautiful history and story of pearls," he added.

The UAE had some of the best pearls at the start of the 20th century, but the diving tradition died out in the wake of the wealth generated from oil.

Globally, pearl diving is a thing of the past. Australia has one of the world's last remaining fleets of pearl diving ships. Australian divers dive for south sea pearl oysters to be used in the cultured south sea pearl industry.

However, the Pearls of Arabia is not aimed at recreating the trade in the old style. "It will be a commercial hub with a modern facade," said Gaiti Rabbani, executive director of coloured stones and pearls at DMCC.

Industry award

Along with developing the pearl trade, Dubai will also institute an industry award that will attract global participation.

Dubai is using its strengths in the gold and diamond trade to make pearls a big business in the city.

"We will bring all elements of the jewellery trade together. We will use the same model that has been successful for other industries by offering tax-free benefits and easy rules," Rabbani said.

She said a set of standards will also be introduced to generate consumer confidence in the pearl trade.

DMCC is looking at introducing a uniform certification for pearls, based on globally accepted quality parameters.

The certification will be developed in conjunction with leading gem certification bodies and in consultation with local and international trade players.

History: A feature of life

Arabian pearling developed with the opening of the ancient Silk Route.

In the late 1940s and early 1950s, pearl diving was a key feature of life on the Trucial coast.

Around 80,000 men earned their living from the pearling trade, accounting for up to 95 per cent of national incomes. The Trucial States had 1,200 pearling dhows, of which 335 were from Dubai.

The pearl banks were generally some distance from the coast lying at depths of 46 to 120 feet.

The pearl banks of the Gulf provide the finest pearls in the world due to the formation of the seabed, the temperature and shallowness of the water.

Pearl diving was a hazardous business as navigation was limited to the stars, a simple compass and the captain's knowledge and experience of the pearl banks.

In the 1830-1900 period, output was worth an average of $1.75 million a year, rising to nearly $4 million in the first decade of the 20th century.

Sources suggest that in the Mumbai market, 1gm of fine Gulf pearls may have had the same approximate value as 320 grammes of gold or 7.7kg of silver in 1917.

At the turn of the last century, the UAE had a reputation for having some of the best natural pearls in the world.

By the early 20th century the pearl industry in the Gulf was at its height but it declined during the Great Depression of the 1930s and the development of the more affordable cultured pearl in 1921.

- Source: DMCC

R

or have i got the wrong development.

THE PEARL ISLAND + QUATAR

http://www.outnext.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/10/05/thepearlquatar05100702.jpg

http://www.outnext.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/10/05/thepearlquatar05100704.jpg

The Pearl is a multi billion man made island covering 985 acres of reclaimed land offshore the Arabian Peninsula state of Qatar. Construction is in four phases with a target completion date of 2009.

When fully developed the island will house around 11,000 luxury villas, town homes , penthouses and apartments which will, in total, be home to up to 40,000 residents. Exclusive luxury villas will be located in clusters, around the island's perimeter, with private beaches and stunning sea views.

The island is divided in many areas such as Porto Arabia, a Cosmopolitan riviera arabia lifestyle. Viva Bahriya, family-oriented beachfront living. Costa Malaz, tropical, spa-based island paradise. Isola Dana, Private islands for the most exclusive living. Abraj Quartier, The panoramic gateway to The Pearl-Qatar Towering residences with one-to-three bedrooms. Perlita Villas and Giardino Villas, Mixed villas and townhouses. Qanat Quartier, Canals reminiscent of Venetian waterfront living. The Villas, Some of the most exclusive accomodation on the Island with private beaches ...

http://www.outnext.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/10/05/thepearlquatar05100705.jpg

http://www.outnext.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/10/05/thepearlquatar05100703.jpg

http://www.outnext.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/10/05/thepearlquatar05100706.jpg

http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.outnext.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/08/14/palm14080702.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.outnext.com/on/dubai/index.html&h=414&w=465&sz=56&hl=en&start=222&um=1&tbnid=jv9dIL1pCLtnDM:&tbnh=114&tbnw=128&prev=/images%3Fq%3Ddubai%2Bpalm%26start%3D220%26ndsp%3D20%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26sa%3DN%26ie%3DUTF-8

^^ no, but i wish it was :lol:. that project is in QUATAR