Gliding across the calm, turquoise waters through the mangroves of Al Rams, I gaze at the towering Hajar mountains in front of me. The wooden boat I’m travelling in is transporting me to a remote pontoon, home to the world’s first Arabian pearl farm. In waters filled with flamingoes and turtles, a small team of Emiratis is reviving the ancient trade, cultivating exquisite pearls with modern-day pearling techniques.
Mountain ranges and ancient pearling traditions might not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of the United Arab Emirates, with Dubai’s famous skyscrapers and luxurious resorts tending to take centre stage. But I’m in Ras Al Khaimah (also known as RAK), one of the UAE’s ‘other’ emirates.
Just over an hour’s drive from the heart of Dubai, the northernmost emirate was historically considered a significant trade…