The latest information on pearl farming in Tahiti

Dubbed the "Abu Dhabi Pearl", this prehistoric gem—considered the oldest ever discovered—will be unveiled to the public starting October 30, according to the emirate’s cultural authorities.

Unearthed on Marawah Island, off the coast of the UAE capital, the pearl was excavated by a team of archaeologists and now belongs to the Zayed National Museum. It stands as evidence of pearl harvesting practices dating back to the Neolithic era, as confirmed by radiocarbon dating, which places its formation between 5,800 and 5,600 BCE.

The pearl will be showcased in the "10,000 Years of Luxury" exhibition, where visitors will have the chance to admire this ancient treasure alongside 350 other iconic artifacts on loan from prestigious French museums. The event will run from October 30 to February 18 at the famed dome-clad museum.

For Mohammed Khalifa al-Moubarak, head of Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism, this discovery highlights the deep cultural and economic roots of the Gulf—long before the era of oil or cultured pearls.

Experts suggest these ancient pearls were used as trade currency with Mesopotamia, exchanged for pottery, or worn as prestige ornaments. The pearl industry, once thriving in the Gulf, reached its peak before declining in the 1930s with the rise of cultured pearls and the first oil drills.

Through this exhibition, the Louvre Abu Dhabi redefines the concept of luxury, exploring 10 millennia of history—with the Abu Dhabi Pearl as one of its most striking jewels.

A fascinating dive into the behind-the-scenes of Polynesian marine research, where visitors can discover the institute’s groundbreaking work on pearl oysters, blue shrimp, paraha peue (Polynesian flounder), giant clams, and many other marine treasures.

A global leader in pearl oyster research, the French Institute for Ocean Science outshines even Australian, Chinese, and Japanese references. "Our publications shine internationally," proudly states Gilles Le Moullac, head of the Marine Resources Unit. "We collaborate with researchers worldwide, and our influence is recognized in top scientific journals."

Beyond pearl farming, Ifremer excels in many key areas: blue shrimp farming, paraha peue research, studying giant clams in the face of climate change, and much more. A day to engage with scientists and explore the mysteries of Polynesian lagoons.

Practical info: Free admission from 8:30 AM to 3 PM in Vairao (PK 13 from Taravao, ocean side). A large sign marks the institute. Numerous workshops will be hosted by Ifremer, the Marine Resources Department, and IRSN. Children can even participate in an educational scavenger hunt with prizes.

Ifremer at a glance: Founded in 1972 as CNEXO, the institute merged in 1984 to become Ifremer. Today, it conducts globally recognized ocean research and plays a key role in Polynesian aquaculture—pearls, fish, shrimp. With 36 permanent staff, civic service volunteers, and PhD students, it works in synergy with Criobe, the University, IRD, and Institut Malardé.

A tangible impact on daily life:

• Blue shrimp: The result of 20 years of research in the 1980s, now preserved by the government through a broodstock conservation program.


• Paraha peue: Closely monitored by Ifremer, which helps master its reproduction and investigates a mysterious disease.


• Pearl oyster: Since the 1980s, Ifremer has played a crucial role in understanding this iconic species, aiding in pearl farm development and concession planning.


• Algal blooms: A concerning phenomenon emerging over the past six years, sometimes deadly to oysters. Ifremer works hand-in-hand with Institut Malardé to analyze their origin.


• Giant clams: In collaboration with UPF, a research program has been assessing the effects of climate change on this reef keystone species for four and a half years.

With four decades of commitment, Ifremer stands as a pillar of applied research in Polynesia, shedding light on the present and future challenges facing our lagoons.