26 February 2008
Turning Dubai into the centre of global pearl trade: this is the objective of ‘Pearls of Arabia’, the latest project presented in the emirate which, reviving the recent past of UAE, is looking into the immediate future. Until a century ago 95% of the economy of the emirates, not yet related into a federation, was based on pearls. Now, six square kilometres of structures dedicated to pearls will be built on Antarctica, one of the 300 islands forming the archipelago ‘The World’. A cultural centre, a theatre, an exhibition gallery, thematic parks and restaurants will be built, but most of all boutiques for the sale of lines pearls created especially for Dubai will be opened. The world’s best selections and the most exclusive jewellery will be available for visitors in a historical and cultural route in the end of 2010.