Qatari pearl diver shares view on nation's heritage

Qatar Tourism (QT) has opened a window into the captivating world of ancient pearl diving through its new initiative, “Voices of Qatar”, offering “visitors a fresh and unique perspective on Qatar – its heritage and its contemporary culture”.
In the latest instalment of this series, Qatari pearl diver Mohamed al-Sada offers an intimate look into the age-old traditions of pearl diving that have shaped Qatar’s rich cultural heritage for nearly 7,500 years.
Recounting the origins of his journey, the seasoned pearl diver reveals that the call of the ocean runs in his blood, handed down through generations. For al-Sada, the sea is not merely a workplace; it is a sanctuary where he feels most alive.
“The ocean is my life. This is my favourite space to spend my time... When I started diving, I was looking for the fish, but my father told me, ‘you are a diver why don’t you go and look for the oysters just like your grandfather before?’ So now I’m discovering the old diving spots in Qatar’s sea,” he said on Visit Qatar’s Youtube video as he shared his deep-seated connection to the sea.
“Voices of Qatar” is an initiative by QT that showcases the remarkable talents woven into Qatar's cultural fabric. This series of videos offers a unique perspective on Qatar, blending its storied history with its dynamic contemporary landscape.
“Under the water, you will feel that you are flying. You can feel that you are in the sky, not in the water,” al-Sada said, painting a vivid picture of the surreal experience that accompanies pearl diving.
He stressed that the art of pearl diving was once fraught with peril as divers pushed the boundaries of their physical limits to retrieve these treasures. In the past, he noted that divers would submerge at dawn, emerging only as dusk descended, their breath-hold abilities reaching astonishing depths of up to 30m.
“Pearl diving before was very dangerous. Now we have different equipment. I don’t need the man in the surface to pull me up. I’m using my fins,” al-Sada said, reiterating that modern equipment has transformed the trade today, affording divers greater safety and autonomy.
“The salt is in my blood. It is very important to maintain this tradition and I will teach my kids to do it,” he said, putting a spotlight on the enduring legacy of Qatar's pearl-diving heritage.
According to al-Sada, one pearl that has eluded divers for centuries is the elusive “Dana”. It is a jewel of unparalleled rarity and size, boasting dimensions surpassing 10 millimetres. His quest to find this exceptional gem embodies the unyielding spirit of pearl divers past and present.