Lakhasly

Kuwait's early economy relied heavily on pearl diving, which shaped the daily lives of its people.It also connected members of society, giving leadership roles to the Nukhtha and Seib and turning Kuwait into one of the world's leading pearl trading hubs.The Tawash merchant was responsible for evaluating the pearls using Al-Taws and Al-Dokhra scales before selling them (KUNA, 2019; Kuwait History, 2008).Divers spent 12 to 14 hours underwater each day and faced harsh marine conditions, dangerous sea creatures, and the threat of sharks during the summer diving season.The Al-Seib used a rope to pull divers up from the seabed, and the Al-Jallas had the job of opening oysters to search for pearls.Records mention Mohammed Bin Asfour as one of the most well-known divers in old Kuwait (Dubaizaman, 2025; Kuwait History, 2008).India became the main destination for Kuwaiti pearl exports.

Kuwait’s early economy relied heavily on pearl diving, which shaped the daily lives of its people. Divers spent 12 to 14 hours underwater each day and faced harsh marine conditions, dangerous sea creatures, and the threat of sharks during the summer diving season. This profession became essential to economic growth and required different roles on each ship. The Nukhatha was responsible for leading the operation, while the Majdami acted as the captain of the sailors. The Al-Seib used a rope to pull divers up from the seabed, and the Al-Jallas had the job of opening oysters to search for pearls. Records mention Mohammed Bin Asfour as one of the most well-known divers in old Kuwait (Dubaizaman, 2025; Kuwait History, 2008).

Pearl trading was a central commercial activity in both Kuwait and the Gulf region. Merchants transported pearls to India and other countries for trade. The year 1912 witnessed a remarkable pearl season known as Al-Tafha, which brought an estimated income of 6 million Rupees. India became the main destination for Kuwaiti pearl exports. The Tawash merchant was responsible for evaluating the pearls using Al-Taws and Al-Dokhra scales before selling them (KUNA, 2019; Kuwait History, 2008).

The history of pearling in Kuwait reflects the determination of people who worked hard to support their families despite the dangers of the sea. Divers took significant risks to secure income, and this industry served as the economic base of the country before oil was discovered. It also connected members of society, giving leadership roles to the Nukhtha and Seib and turning Kuwait into one of the world’s leading pearl trading hubs. This period in history highlights the strong spirit and endurance of the Kuwaiti people (Kuwait History, 2008).