In the heart of Muharraq — Bahrain’s former capital — the scent of cardamom and fresh flatbread drifts through narrow alleys, where echoes of the call to prayer bounce off coral-stone walls. This historic town, once the nucleus of the global pearling trade, has been brought to life again through a remarkable new heritage project: the Pearling Path.
Spanning 2.2 miles, the Pearling Path weaves a vivid narrative of Bahrain’s past, guiding visitors through more than a century of the nation’s pearling legacy. Once the economic lifeblood of the Persian Gulf, pearling left an indelible mark on the region’s culture, architecture, and identity. The new trail offers an immersive experience that goes far beyond sightseeing — it’s a journey through time, memory, and transformation.
Reviving a Lost Chapter of Bahrain’s Past
The Pearling Path begins at the Bu Mahir seashore, on the southern tip of Muharraq. This is where pearl divers once launched their long, perilous voyages into the Gulf. From here, visitors walk the same alleys and passageways once tread by divers, merchants, and jewelers during the golden age of pearls in the late 19th century.
A Tribute to the Divers’ Endurance
One of the first stops on the trail is Al Ghus House — a former divers’ residence now transformed into a museum. Through exhibits and audio recordings, the space tells the stories of those who endured exhausting work aboard overcrowded dhows with minimal food, sleep, or comfort. Haunting divers’ songs, known as fan al-bahri, fill the courtyard, echoing tales of longing and perseverance.
Architectural Gems Along the Way
As the path continues, visitors encounter restored mansions and trading houses that once belonged to wealthy merchants. Some now serve as exhibition spaces curated by world-renowned designers like Dutch architect Anne Holtrop. These buildings offer a striking mix of traditional Gulf architecture and modern interpretation.
The Siyadi House and Pearl Museum
A standout is the Siyadi House, adjacent to Bahrain’s oldest mosque. The building’s former majlis — a room for receiving guests — has been reimagined as the Siyadi Pearl Museum. Inside, guests can view exquisite pieces, including pearl jewelry commissioned by Cartier, who famously traveled to Bahrain in 1912 to source gems directly from the Gulf.
A Cultural Revival in the Streets of Muharraq
The Pearling Path is more than a historical trail — it’s also part of a larger effort to rejuvenate the urban fabric of Muharraq. The visitors’ center, a striking concrete structure by Swiss architect Valerio Olgiati, functions as both an orientation hub and a space for cultural events.
Markets and Modern Life
Nearby, Suq Al Qaysariyyah — the city’s oldest market — has been revitalized with a mix of traditional pearl traders and contemporary cafés and bookstores. Locals gather in the shaded public squares that now dot the neighborhood, where young trees have been planted to provide relief from the sun.
“Pearl diving is still in our blood,” says Mohamed Al Slaise, a fourth-generation pearl diver and one of the local guides offering immersive diving tours. “The Pearling Path helps us understand how our ancestors lived — it’s the foundation of today’s Bahrain.”
Where to Stay
For travelers looking to immerse themselves in this cultural revival with a touch of luxury, the newly opened Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain offers a perfect retreat. Each of the 78 private villas comes with a personal courtyard, plunge pool, and a dedicated butler service. Guests can arrange personalized pearl-diving experiences or enjoy curated tours of the resort’s impressive art collection.
Planning Your Visit
The Pearling Path offers a rare opportunity to step into Bahrain’s pre-oil past — a time when pearls were the country’s most treasured resource. Whether you’re walking the alleys of Muharraq, exploring a historic diver’s home, or watching the sun shimmer over oyster-shell terrazzo pillars, this experience is a love letter to a lost world, now beautifully restored for future generations.
This story originally appeared in the March 2025 issue of Travel + Leisure under the title “Pearl of the Gulf.”
