Bahraini youth urged to explore career options in pearling sector

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Staff Reporter

Bahraini youth have been urged to explore career options in the pearling sector in line with Bahrain’s rich legacy in pearl trade.

This came as the Chief Executive of Bahrain Institute of Pearls and Gemstones “DANAT”, Noora Jamsheer, welcomed at the headquarters of the Institute several professors of the College of Science, University of Bahrain, led by the Dean of the College, Prof Mohammed El Hilo.

They discussed strengthening joint cooperation between the university and the institute in many areas, including educating students at the College of Science on “DANAT” efforts and achievements in the field of pearls and gemstones, as well as performing and publishing research on topics of mutual interest.

Ms Jamsheer emphasised that investing in the national capacities of young Bahraini cadres is an integral part of the national plan to revive the pearl sector in Bahrain and intensify the Kingdom’s leading position in the world in the fields of pearl extraction, trade, and examination, expressing pride in the institute’s highly qualified and competent Bahraini cadres in this field.

The delegation was given a tour of the institute and learned about the services provided by its laboratory for evaluating pearls and gemstones. Ms Jamsheer briefed the visiting team on the Institute’s efforts to develop and solidify Bahrain’s image as a leading center in pearls and gemstones on a regional and worldwide scale.

She also showcased the efforts of “DANAT” in conducting scientific field research. Ms Jamsheer discussed with the visiting delegation the possibility of establishing a permanent cooperation program between “DANAT” and the University of Bahrain, intending to qualify and train students and encouraging them to pursue careers in this important field, as well as integrate them into the Institute activities such as programs, courses and workshops.

A highly successful Bahraini in the field, Ms Jamsheer is a certified Rough Diamond and Polished Diamond Grader having completed her training at the International Gemological Institute Belgium and Gemological Institute of America United States of America respectively.

She has also monitored and worked with various governments in developing the synergies to combat conflict diamonds and minerals. Prof Mohammed El Hilo expressed the University of Bahrain’s gratitude to the “DANAT” Institute for its exceptional hosting, praising the Institute’s efforts and emphasising the College of Science’s desire to organise more of these informative visits in the future.

The Bahrain Institute for Pearls and Gemstones (DANAT) is a world-class gemmological laboratory, education and research centre, specialising in the testing and study of natural pearls as a reflection of Bahrain’s ancient pearling history and desire to protect and advance Bahrain’s pearling heritage.

DANAT’s expert team of gemmologists supports clients and students from around the world through pearl, gemstone and diamond identification services, as well as teaching a range of educational courses and internationally recognised gemmological qualifications.

As a result, DANAT plays a vital role in upholding public trust in the jewellery and gemmological community. DANAT’s specialist gemmological research and commitment to innovative technologies enable DANAT to make meaningful contributions to gemmological fields of study.

Established in 2017, under the aegis of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, DANAT is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company (Mumtalakat), the sovereign wealth fund of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

DANAT evolved from the Pearl and Gem Testing Laboratory of Bahrain, the first laboratory of its kind in the Gulf region established in the year 1990.