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DANAT’s Eighth Anniversary Celebrates Innovation, Heritage, and Environmental Stewardship
Bahrain Institute for Pearls and Gemstones (DANAT) marked its eighth anniversary, celebrating a journey of pioneering achievements in environmental sustainability, research leadership in Bahrain’s pearl industry, and supporting the implementation of the National Plan to Revive the Pearl Sector.
The celebration highlighted DANAT’s pivotal role in shaping a sustainable future through rigorous scientific research dedicated to the protection of Bahrain’s marine environment. The Institute’s contributions to international efforts promoting responsible practices in the pearl and gemstone industry were also emphasized, along with its dedication to preserving Bahrain’s maritime heritage, fostering global cooperation to adopt best industry standards, and reinforcing trust in the pearl trade both locally and internationally.
Recent milestones include DANAT’s membership in the United Nations Global Compact, its hosting of decarbonization roundtables titled "Oceans at the Frontline: Harnessing Marine Ecosystems for Climate Action," coastal cleanup campaigns, and the launch of a national blue carbon study analyzing over 200 marine and coastal sites.
Since its establishment, DANAT has been instrumental in establishing Bahrain as a global hub for excellence in pearl extraction, trade, and research, while promoting sustainable industry practices that are closely tied to the Kingdom’s cultural and heritage identity. The Institute has also been instrumental in developing national talent by offering specialized training programs accredited by the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (GEM-A).
Mrs. Noora Jamsheer, Chief Executive Officer DANAT, stated: “We are proud to celebrate another significant milestone in DANAT’s journey. Over the past eight years, through dedicated work and ongoing commitment, we have established the Institute as a key contributor to enriching Bahrain’s longstanding legacy in the pearl sector. This has been achieved by adopting an integrated scientific approach that balances the preservation of cultural heritage with the demands of modern sustainability, while incorporating the latest tech in pearl and gemstone testing and certification.”
Mrs. Jamsheer further stated: “Sustainability is a central pillar of our mission and is reflected in our ongoing marine conservation research and our efforts to promote responsible practices across the pearl and gemstone sector. We regard Bahraini pearls as a living testament to a rich civilisation and cultural heritage, a legacy we are entrusted to preserve for future generations. This anniversary marks a renewed commitment to advancing innovation and strengthening Bahrain’s position as both a regional and global leader in the sustainable pearl industry.”
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About DANAT:
Bahrain Institute for Pearls and Gemstones (DANAT) was established in 2017, under the aegis of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain. It was formed as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company (Mumtalakat), the sovereign wealth fund of the Kingdom. Its vision is to become the world’s preferred institute for natural pearls and gemstones’ third-party verification services and scientific research.
As a reflection of Bahrain’s ancient pearling history and the strong desire to protect this heritage, DANAT was established as the guardian of global gemological excellence. It plays a vital role in ensuring, protecting and enhancing public trust in pearls, gemstones and jewelry. DANAT is an authority on industry standards, scientific knowledge and education, and is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professional and personal ethics.
