Since ancient times, its thriving pearl industry was the dominant economic activity in the area, a fact that was diminished due to the development of oyster farming implemented by Japan since the 1930's. It is said that the golden age of Bahrain's pearls was between 1850 and 1930, when pearls were more precious than diamonds and attracted jewelers such as Jacques Cartier to the country.

From that moment on, and with the world market flooded with much cheaper cultured pearls, the important local industry was diminishing and reducing. Fortunately for the country, another industry flourished at that time, revitalizing the economy with the discovery of oilfields that to this day generate an important source of income.

Likewise, an important amount of infrastructures related to pearl extraction were left in disuse, a symbol of a bygone era that extends back in time even to Alexander the Great, when the island was then a center of pearl trade, known as Tylos. Most of the surviving infrastructure dates back to the 19th century and includes pearl banks, fortresses and other buildings.

This entire infrastructure was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012 to preserve and revive the spirit of this historical activity, highlighting the social and economic importance of the pearl trade in Bahrain. Under the name Bahrain Pearl Industry Road, the protected site consists of a group of buildings located in the city of Al Muharraq and other places along its coastline.

The Bahrain Pearl Industry Trail spans some 35 hectares and includes a total of 17 buildings in the historic area of Al Muharraq City, 3 marine oyster beds, a segment of the Muharraq Island coastline and the fortress of Qal'at bu Mahir, connected by a 3.5 km visitor path.

This road is an example of traditional exploitation of marine resources and the interaction of man with the environment. Likewise, the pearl industry forged the cultural identity of the society of the city of Al Muharraq and the whole island, and there are still select jewelry stores specialized in this luxury object. Along with these actions, there is a national plan to revive the country's pearling sector, thanks to the increase in demand for more responsibly sourced jewelry and unique pieces.

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