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The luster of Bahraini pearls is incomparable, and pearls from Bahrain have been highly sought after for centuries, a fact documented by travelers, explorers and designers from around the world such as Jacques Cartier. It is not a surprise, therefore, that in a global event such as Expo 2020 Dubai, the Bahrain National Pavilion "Density Weaves Opportunities” should offer an opportunity to the visitors to explore magnificent beauty of these jewels. This was done via a display of a series of glamourous necklaces and precious acquisitions of pearls by pioneering jewelers, collected in an exhibition titled the “Pearls of Bahrain", hosted by Bahrain pavilion as part of the Bahraini National Day fest ivies at Dubai Expo 2020.

The exhibition featured an amazing collection of Bahraini natural beautiful pearls owned by three families of traders pearl in the Kingdom, namely Al Mahmoud Pearls, Matar Jewelry and Al Fardan Jewelry. The amazing exhibition’s aim is to introduce visitors to the beauty of Bahrain’s pearls, distinguished by their colors and luster, which the “Al Hayrat” oyster pearl traps still produce to this day. The exhibition highlights the unique, purest and brightest Bahraini pearls to be found around the whole world, reflecting the richness and diversity of Bahraini renowned oysters’ beds.

Ms. Faten Ibrahim Matar, as one of the sixth generation members of the Matar Jewelry House foundation, keen to present the most glimmering rarest pearls available in the Arabian Gulf region, exquisitely and masterly crafted by jewelers during a decade or more, has joined this prestigious institution in the pearl trade. She says that participating in the "Pearls of Bahrain" exhibition at the Bahrain National Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai is an important opportunity to inform the world that Bahrain was and still is a center of the natural pearl trade, and that this trade is part of its past and present as well.

Ms. Matar has pointed out that Matar Jewelry enterprise is displaying two of the most exquisite and important natural glamourous pearl necklaces in its pearl collection; the first is a necklace of multi-colored pearls containing 12 colors, and the other is a necklace of large-sized embellished with and harmonious pearls in white colors tinged with pink and has a unique luster, and this is a rare trait found in pearl necklaces these days.

Mr. Ammar Al Fardan, from Al-Fardan Jewelry, said that the participation in Expo 2020 Dubai will certainly be an opportunity to show the world Bahrain’s excellence savoir-faire with regard to natural pearl trading , which is still carried out by pioneering traders, such as Al-Fardan family, Matar, Al-Mahmoud and others. Al-Fardan added that is offering the Expo visitors a Five - Row or stand necklace, and another stunning 70-year old necklace, a Traditional “Jalada”, each speaks for itself. Worth to mention that Al Jalada multiple strand pearl necklace, was every Indian Maharajas and ruling Indian families’ finest quality collections for centuries.

Mr. Mohammed Al Mahmoud, from Al-Mahmoud Pearls, has asserted that Bahrain was and still remain the epicenter of a thriving exquisite natural pearling commerce movement, partly thanks to the pioneering pearl trade famous families. Al-Mahmoud added saying that that despite the challenges that faced trade at the beginning of the last century with the emergence of cultured pearls and the reluctance of craftsmen and traders, due to the spread oil discovery job offer opportunities, pearl trade flourished, however, with the beginning of the eighties of the last century. In addition, there has been witnessed an increasing global demand for natural pearls in recent years, he added. Al-Mahmoud concluded by asserting that taking part in Dubai Expo 2021 will certainly open doors for visitors to promote, discover and explore the purity and beauty of the finest Bahraini pearls, and its heritage legacy of thousands of years. Indeed, Bahrain’s best-known pearl jewelers, boast world most renowned exquisite pearl necklaces.

Indeed, “Pearls of Bahrain” exhibition is part of general topic of the pavilion, titled “The Sea”, displaying objects related to pearling industry that is so anchored din the Bahrain history. Moreover, the “Sea” theme reflects Bahrain’s rich maritime culture and includes a large-scale collaborative installation “What She Sees” by Bahrain-based designer Mhairie Boyle in collaboration with the weavers of Bani Jamrah, as well as six weaver apprentices. The installation refers to the sailing heritage of Bahrain through a series of 30 sails that are spread between the columns of the pavilion, revealing the hidden geometry of the space. In fact, the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities collaborated with DANAT, Bahrain’s Institute for Pearls and Gemstones, on the opening exhibition held at the Kingdom of Bahrain Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. The exhibition introduces the world to the story of Bahrain in relation to the sea and its most sought after gem, the pearl. Pearls from Bahrain were recognized as the world’s finest, exceptional in their luster, color, size, and quantity. For the first time, DANAT relocated its world-renowned lab for two months, inviting a global audience to experience Bahrain’s pearling legacy through the testing technology that differentiates between natural and cultured pearls.