Tools & Equipment
What tool did pearl divers wear on their noses to help them dive?
Nose clip
Pearl divers often lived on what type of boat?
A dhoni (traditional boat)
Pearl diving was important for which country’s economy in the past?
UAE (or Gulf countries)
Name one danger faced by pearl divers in the sea.
Sharks, drowning, exhaustion
What container did divers use to collect pearls?
Basket
How long could a pearl diver stay underwater in one dive?
About 2–3 minutes
Name one reason pearl diving is no longer as common today.
Introduction of cultured pearls or oil economy
Why was it risky to dive deep without modern equipment?
Lack of oxygen and pressure risk
What did pearl divers use to measure depth in the sea?
Rope
Who sang songs on the boat to help keep the divers calm and coordinated?
The singer or “nahr singer”
How did pearl diving influence UAE’s cultural traditions?
Music, stories, boat-building, and festivals
How did divers protect themselves from drowning?
Using trained techniques and ropes
Name one piece of clothing or item that helped divers protect themselves from the sun.
Long sleeves, hat, or cloth wrap
Why did divers sometimes dive multiple times a day?
To collect as many pearls as possible for income
Before modern boats, how did divers travel to deep-sea diving spots?
Small traditional boats or dhonis
What physical skill was essential for surviving multiple dives in a day?
Strong lung capacity and stamina
What special skill did divers need to use their hands and feet effectively underwater?
Swimming and diving techniques
How did the life of pearl divers affect their families and community?
They contributed economically but faced long separations and dangers
Describe one way pearl diving shaped the social life of coastal communities.
It created teamwork, traditions, and local trade networks
Why was teamwork important for pearl divers?
To ensure safety, share workload, and manage the boat efficiently