Question

What are the reasons for decline of pearl diving in the Arab Gulf reasons?

Answer 1

In the Arabian Gulf states, pearl diving was a tradition that goes back several thousand owners, much before the gulf states became famous for oil. It gradually declined as it was a difficult task for the divers, who would virtually spend the entire day under water except for coming to the surface during meal times and for prayer. The boat-owners too contributed in striking the death-knell for this flourishing industry by taking away the lion's share of the proceeds, leaving a pittance for the divers, haulers, captain and crew. With the discovery of oil, the per capita income rose because of petroleum, so pearl diving declined in a big way.