Natural wonders and artworks from around the world are displayed in the UAE at locations like Louvre Abu Dhabi.
There’s something special about seeing a glimpse of history, natural or manmade, and imagining what life was at that time.
Giving some insight into life in this region thousands of years ago, a discovery at Marwah Island in Abu Dhabi has offered another glimpse of history and traditions in the UAE.
The oldest known natural pearl in the world has been discovered in the capital.
The ‘Abu Dhabi Pearl’ is thought to date back nearly 8,000 years to 5,800 to 5,600 BCE.
Found at the Neolithic site on Marwah Island, the pearl is proof that pearls and oysters were being used nearly 8,000 years ago and is one of the earliest known evidence of pearling in the world.
Pearls, even thousands of years ago, were considered precious and used for adornment.
In reflection the status of pearls as a luxury item, the Abu Dhabi Pearl will go on display at Louvre Abu Dhabi as part of the exhibition’10,000 Years of Luxury.
On display for the first time, the pearl, on loan from the Zayed National Museum collection, will be open to the public from October 30 to February 18 2020.
“The Abu Dhabi Pearl is a stunning find, testimony to the ancient origins of our engagement with the sea. The discovery of the oldest pearl in the world in Abu Dhabi makes it clear that so much of our recent economic and cultural history has deep roots that stretch back to the dawn of prehistory,” said Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi.
“Marawah Island is one of our most valuable archaeological sites, and excavations continue in the hope of discovering even more evidence of how our ancestors lived, worked and thrived.”
“Prior to the Abu Dhabi Pearl discovery, the earliest known pearl in the UAE came from a Neolithic site in Umm Al Qaiwain. Ancient pearls have also been found at a Neolithic cemetery close to Jebel Buhais, in the Emirate of Sharjah. The carbon dating indicates that the Abu Dhabi Pearl is older than both these discoveries.”
We look forward to seeing it on display.
Dhs63 (adults), Dhs31.5 (ages 13-22), free (under 13). Oct 30-Feb 18. Saadiyat Island, www.louvreabudhabi.ae (600 565 566).
