He has since clarified the matter, revealing that he is primarily offering his expertise — without direct financial investment — in a prestigious venture born from an unexpected encounter.

During a luncheon with Miss Tahiti and her runners-up, Robert Wan spoke about this unique collaboration. "I had the honor of meeting the Queen of Qatar, who briefly stayed in Polynesia, where she acquired many pearls. We stayed in touch, and one day she asked me to help revive her country’s pearl heritage," he shared.

Before the rise of oil and gas, the Gulf Emirates were renowned for the exceptional quality of their natural pearls. Determined to rekindle this ancestral tradition and pass it on to younger generations, the sovereign called upon Robert Wan’s expertise to establish a pearl farm producing white pearls comparable to those of Japan.

"I haven’t invested any money; she is the one who funded the project," Robert Wan clarified. The first harvests are already showing delicate shades of pink and champagne, with the much-anticipated golden tones expected soon. It is an exciting adventure for the master of the black pearl, who also sees in this initiative a tremendous opportunity to promote Tahitian pearls throughout Qatar, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the entire Persian Gulf.