Qatar’s history of pearl fishing is quite rich and significant as it used to be one of the most important export goods of the region and was central to the local economy and culture. The pearl fishing industry of Qatar helped the region establish trades with far off regions such as Europe, East Asia, Africa, etc, through the use of the iconic dhow boats of Qatar. The pearl fishing industry also was responsible for the relocation of locals from the deserts to the coastal areas as the pearl fishing and trading industry which is still evident till present day as the majority of the populated cities of Qatar lie on the eastern coast. However, Qatar’s pearling export declined with the rise of ‘cultured pearls’ from Japan which were cheaper and more sought after rather than natural pearls. Despite the decline in pearl fishing in the region it still plays an important role in the culture of the people as it is a significant part of the history of the region. Hence, in my blog I will be discussing the socioeconomic importance of pearl fishing and how it helped shape Doha as a major port city and capital. Some interesting topics to explore are how the pearl fishing industry impacted the local demographics and social hierarchies. I would also like to explore how the relationship between the people and the sea as a whole played a main role in the development of the local culture and building an appreciation for the Arabian sea. The National Museum of Qatar has dedicated an entire exhibition showcasing the history of pearl fishing and its impacts on the lives of the people living at the coasts. It shows the vibrant and lively nature of the cities as a result of the region being a major exporter of valuable pearls which led to a lot of wealth and prosperity in the region. I will explore the historical significance of pearl fishing by using the museum as a primary source of information for my blog posts. I will also be looking at secondary sources, for example Fletcher and Carter’s essay “Mapping the Growth of an Arabian Gulf Town: The Case of Doha, Qatar” where they explore how the city of Doha was planned as a result of its economic and cultural development. Through exploring these sources I intend to argue the relationship between the environment and the people of Qatar and how it has helped shape an entire region’s culture and had an impact on the environment itself.