The Pearling Trail

The oldest section of the souq, Al Qaisariya, offers a charming shopping experience. Souq Al Qaisariya is an integral component of the "Pearling; a testimony of an Island Economy" (UNESCO World Heritage Site).

the oldest and the only Dhow building yard of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The high raised masts of the completed dhows welcome the visitors to the busy yard where the timbers lying around and the melody of the gentle sea breeze tells you a different story about a seafaring nation. The major purpose of dhow has always been pearling. It is also used for fishing, passenger & cargo transportation and diving. With the deep-rooted pearling traditions of Bahrain, it’s no wonder that the dhow industry has been closely associated with the heritage of the Kingdom. Suq Al-Qaisariya (Al-Qaisariya Market): A part of the old Muharraq Suq which dates back to the dawn of the 20th century. Research suggests that Suq Al-Qaisariya actually is almost 100 years older, having formed the beginning of the 19th century and expanded over the years to meet the growing economic needs of the local populace in light of the stable economic, social, and cultural environment of the country during that time. The suq is also an integral part of the Pearling Trail which was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2012. Bin Matar House: The House was built on reclaimed land in 1905 and at the time was surrounded by the sea on three sides. supervised by the Bahraini master builder Mussa bin Hamad, the building was constructed in a traditionally Bahraini manner, using palm tree trunks, sea-stone and gypsum. The building was initially used as the permanent majlis of Salman Hussein Bin Matar, one of Bahrain’s the most prominent pearling merchants. Salman bin Hussain bin Salman bin Matar proved to be a man of remarkable abilities and broad interests. He joined his father’s pearl business and during the late 19th and early 20th centuries became one of the major pearl merchants in the entire Gulf region. Virtually all foreigners, especially French and Indian, relied on his expert advice in matters relating to the purchase of pearls. Bait Al Ghus (Diver’s House) : The Al Ghous House is one of the 16 world heritage properties that make up the Pearling, Testimony of an Island Economy UNESCO World Heritage site in Muharraq. The house allows an insight into the life of a diver, the first person to make contact with the pearl, which stimulated the far-reaching pearling economy.