UAE Wants the Industry Back

The United Arab Emirates is making a push toward bringing the pearl industry back to its natural roots in the gulf region. Prior to oil discovery pearls were the "oil" of the Middle East. Its hard to imagine anything trumping oil over there!

The UAE hosted a Pearl Revival Convention last year. I still remember seeing an article with a picture of Nick Paspaley looking ne'er-too-demure in a suit alongside his robe-clad Middle Eastern counterpart. This year they are looking to expand that program and Paspaley clearly sees profit potential in this rich country - a country historically opposed to pearl culture.

The Dubai Multi Commodities Center (DMCC) is taking an active role in bringing pearls back to the Emirates. This year they have announced a design contest called Pearl Essence which will pit designers using pearls against one another and students as well.