The Pearl Diver received funding and support from the UAE Ministry of Culture, recognizing its cultural importance and potential to preserve national heritage through film. Thanks to this backing, Falcon Line Studios was able to begin development and pre-production, bringing the story to life with authenticity and care.
The Pearl Diver is a moving period drama that brings the rich maritime heritage of the United Arab Emirates to life. Set between past and present, the film follows Rashid, a young Emirati man who discovers an old, water-stained journal among his late grandfather’s belongings. The journal, once owned by his grandfather—one of the region’s most respected pearl divers—contains cryptic entries and maps that spark Rashid’s curiosity. Determined to understand his roots, he embarks on a personal journey through the coastal villages of the Emirates, retracing his grandfather’s steps and diving into a world long submerged by time and modernity.
As Rashid explores the legacy of his ancestors, the film offers a layered narrative that weaves traditional pearl diving rituals, family honor, and generational wisdom into a visually rich cinematic experience. The story pays tribute to the hardships faced by pearl divers of the past—braving the sea with nothing but a nose clip, a weighted stone, and a deep lungful of air. Through Rashid’s journey, we witness not only the physical struggle of harvesting pearls but also the emotional burden of preserving a fading identity in a rapidly changing world.
Directed by Ahmed Al Nuaimi, a rising figure in Emirati cinema known for his deep connection to local storytelling, The Pearl Diver began shooting in 25′ April along the rugged coastline of Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi’s Al Bateen district. Using a mix of underwater cinematography and historically accurate set designs, the production aims to authentically capture the beauty and struggle of early 20th-century pearl diving life. Post-production is scheduled to begin in the fall at Khatt Al Saqr Studios, with a release planned for UAE National Day, making the film not only a personal story but a national celebration of heritage.