Pearl Revival Committee to Revive Industry

Pearl Revival Committee to Revive Industry

October 17, 2007

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Oct. 17
/Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- The Pearl Revival Committee has
announced the first International Pearl Convention in
November. The event will include the auction of the world's
largest natural pearl. The aim of this ambitious project is
to revive UAE's distinguished pearling tradition and embed
it as the keystone of the country's cultural identity.

    ( Photo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071017/278111 )

    The international convention will bring the attention
of investors and industrialists to the glory and scope of
the pearl industry; various events also have been scheduled
in connection with international convention to disseminate
wide prospects of this lucrative industry. Innovative
programmes like Pearl Theatre, Pearl Concert, Pearl
Seminars, Pearl Classes, Arabia Pearl Exhibition, Cultured
Pearl Display, and Pearl Fashion also will be the
attractions of the international convention.

    "The convention will lay the foundation for a
remarkable and unique revival that gives us back our
wonderful history within the pearl industry," said
Khaled Al Sayegh, Chairman, Pearl Revival Committee.
"Historically, the world's best pearls came from the
Gulf. They were naturally created and collected by
breath-holding divers. The discovery of large deposits of
oil put an abrupt end to pearl industry in early 1930's.
Those who once fished pearls sought prosperity in the
economic boom ushered in by the oil industry," he
pointed out.

    "Pearls are a real asset and a good investment as
they provide a storehouse of value. Cyclical changes play
an important role in pearl market, and the recent years
have witnessed a renewed interest in them. We aim to
provide an opportunity for pearl collectors and investors
to interact closely," said Sheikha Mae.

    One of the key aspects of the convention is the auction
of the world's second largest natural pearl which comes
after The Pearl of Asia with an approximate value of USD 8
million along with some of the world's rarest and most
sought after pearls which includes: "The Dream Pearls
of Cooch Behar": WC2A -- Him 980 grains; WC2B Her 700
grains, "Worm" 404 grains, 65mm long, 2591
"Rosebud" 214 grains, 30mm, 2592 "Golden
Dome" Oriental, 51 grains, 13mm, "Oriental
Necklace" two lines, 10.4mm - 5.4mm, "18th
Century Button Pearl Gold Jewellery" and "Sarnii
chuluu" it means "Moon stone" 284.93 cr
weight, and with sises 59.1x 40.0x 29.2mm.

    Part of the revival initiative would be an industry
report that will outline the economical and commercial
scope of the pearl market. A screening of Pearl films will
also be a part of the event. All funds raised from the
event will be used to revive the virtually defunct regional
pearl industry. Revival of the pearl industry is expected to
boost the region's economy as a whole, which is now trying
to tap more from non-oil industry.


    For further information, please contact:

     Sajeesh Gopalan
     Director -- media relations
     Concept pr fz llc
     Post box 30929
     Dubai
     United Arab Emirates
     Dir: [phone]
     Mob: [phone]
     Tel: [phone]
     Fax: [phone]