Suwaidi Pearls is a working pearl farm in Al Rams, in the north of Ras Al Khaimah at the foot of the Hajar Mountains. It was founded in 2004 by Abdulla Rashed Al Suwaidi, a natural pearl diver and trader from a long line of divers. The owners describe the farm as the first effort in a hundred years to bring Arabian pearls back to the region's waters.
Tickets and prices
What to see
The tour begins with a ride on a traditional pearl divers' boat through the mangroves to the floating farm on a pontoon, often passing flamingos and cormorants. On the farm you hear the history of pearling, the coast's main livelihood before oil: how divers lived, the roles on a pearling boat and how pearl traders worked with their 'bish-takh-tah' box. There is also a small pearl museum, a traditional boat and the captain's chest.
The highlight is opening live oysters. Guests learn how pearls form and how oysters are farmed, then open one themselves: according to the hosts, about 60% contain a pearl. The pearl isn't included in the standard tour but is in the family package. Arabic coffee and tea, dates and juice are served, and the shop sells Arabian pearls and mother-of-pearl jewellery. The farm runs on solar power and is deliberately simple.
Getting there
Meet at the House of Pearls reception on Al Rams Road in Al Rams, where the boat to the farm departs. Al Rams is about 12 km north-east of Ras Al Khaimah city, and around 75 minutes' drive from Dubai via the E311 or E611. There is no public transport to the farm.
Planning your visit
The tour lasts about two and a half hours and runs in English and Arabic. Standard tickets cost AED 250 for adults, AED 125 for ages 9–12, AED 50 for ages 5–8 and AED 175 for over-60s and People of Determination. A private boat (minimum 4) starts at AED 400 per adult, with an Emirati lunch for AED 100. Book ahead on the farm's website, by email or on WhatsApp; online booking closes 15 minutes before the start. The cooler months are best, as most of the tour is outdoors.
Before you go
Dress light but modest, bring sunscreen, and insect repellent for evening tours. It can be windy on the water, so a light layer helps. Cancellations less than a day ahead can incur a fee of up to 100%.
House of Pearls by Suwaidi Pearls, Al Rams Road, Al Rams, Ras Al Khaimah · 25.882440, 56.025700
