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#pearl diving

A traditional mirwas drum from the Gulf, showing its cylindrical wooden body and stitched skin heads.
Culture

The Mirwas: Understanding the Gulf's Traditional Hand Drum

From pearl diving crews to modern heritage ensembles, this small double-headed drum has kept the rhythm of Gulf music alive for generations.
Traditional wooden dhow used for pearl diving in the Arabian Gulf
Culture

A Deep Dive into the Gulf's Pearl Diving Heritage

Before oil, pearls were the Gulf's most precious export. Discover how this demanding tradition shaped the region's identity and where its legacy lives on today.
Men in traditional Gulf dress performing fijiri music with drums and clapping on a wooden boat
Culture

Fijiri: The Pearl Divers' Music That Still Echoes Across the Gulf

Discover the rhythmic chants and drumming that once guided Gulf pearl divers through long months at sea, and how the tradition lives on today.