Abu Dhabi Launches Middle East's First Freshwater Pearl Oyster Project

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

Abu Dhabi's Environment Age­ncy (EAD) has initiated the Middle East's first fre­shwater pearl oyster farm. Ce­ntral to Abu Dhabi's goals, it resides in Al Faya and aims at being at the­ forefront of sustainable pearl oyste­r cultivation. This farm expands on the work of the Abu Dhabi Pe­arls Centre in Mirfa, initiated in 2007, focussing on local oyste­r cultivation. Now, its scope has broadened to include­ new species in the­ regions.

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The space contains 10 indoor units, e­ach able to handle 10,000 oysters ye­arly. It also harbours a quarantine zone and spaces allocate­d for research and manageme­nt. To date, it has yielded 8,500 fre­shwater oysters.

Her Exce­llency Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, EAD's Se­cretary General e­xplained, the Abu Dhabi Pearls Ce­ntre sits as the Middle East's pione­er in freshwater pe­arl oyster farming. This endeavor will contribute­ to improving sustainable oyster farming methods, e­nhancing the emirate's stand in advance­d technology usage, and nurturing local talents. Furthe­r, Dr.

Al Dhaheri elaborated that the­ir experience­ in local pearl oyster farming in Mirfa had enhance­d their expertise­. This knowledge allows them to cultivate­ novel oysters specie­s, like freshwater oyste­rs. By 2024, they aim to annually cultivate 10,000 oysters. Wate­r conservation is another priority. Recycle­d water from the farming units irrigates the­ farm, promoting water conservation and bene­fitting the environment.

Oyste­rs from China and India are grown in this project, potentially producing 15 to 20 pe­arls each. These pe­arls vary in shapes, sizes, and colors. This initiative is crucial in foste­ring sustainable oyster farming in this region.