Kuwaitis sail in traditional dhows off Kuwait City during the annual pearl diving trip in the port of Khairan, 100 kilometres south of Kuwait City, on August 11, 2015. Pearl-diving trips are held annually under the patronage of the Kuwaiti emir in order to keep alive traditions that accompanied the once-important national pearl trade before the discovery of the oil wealth. Kuwaitis sail in traditional dhows off Kuwait City during the annual pearl diving trip in the port of Khairan, 100 kilometres south of Kuwait City, on August 11, 2015. Pearl-diving trips are held annually under the patronage of the Kuwaiti emir in order to keep alive traditions that accompanied the once-important national pearl trade before the discovery of the oil wealth.

KUWAIT: The 27th annual Pearl Dive Trip won limitless support from His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Chairman of Kuwait Sea Sport Club (KSSC) said. Addressing a press conference in Khairan Monday night, Major General Fahad Al-Fahad said: "It's a great honor for us, as club staffers, members, teams and committees, to get the kind patronage of His the Amir for this annual event."

"Besides the traditional aim to revive the maritime heritage, the journey aims this year to deliver a message of patriotism and national unity to the youth, and reaffirm allegiance to our leaders on the local and regional levels," he pointed out.

"We also seek to leverage the scientific approaches to diving and pearl diving, and promote awareness about the need to conserve marine life among the youths," Major General Fahad added. He thanked the Gulf Bank for its platinum sponsorship of the event and appreciated the support provided by Dar Al-Khaleej Consulting Engineers, Kuwait Flour Mills and Bakeries Co, Kuwait International Fair (KIF), and Khairan Resort, as well as the consumer cooperatives of Salmiya, Al-Roudha, Hawalli and Qadsia.

He showcased the peals picked by divers since the start of the journey on August 6. Nearly 200 divers and seamen take part in the journey on a 12-ship flotilla dedicated by His Highness the Amir. The mission will come to a close on Thursday, August 13, at the KSSC in Salmiya. - KUNA