Kuwaiti writer and researcher Talal Al-Rumaithi presented a groundbreaking paper titled "Pearl Diving Through French Eyes: The Wit in Albert Londres' Writings" at the 2nd Sharjah Heritage Conference, offering unique 1930s French perspectives on the Gulf's pearl diving traditions.

Key Revelations from Albert Londres' 1930 Account:

• Immersive Fieldwork: The French journalist embarked on diving ships, documenting:
  ✓ Divers' facial expressions during exhaustion and joy
  ✓ Precise descriptions of diving rituals and maritime councils
  ✓ The phrase "When I went to sea, I found myself Arab" reflecting his cultural captivation

• Humanizing Portrayals:
  ▸ Called divers "men who don't go to hell" for their resilience
  ▸ Documented funeral rites for depth-lost divers – unprecedented in European accounts
  ▸ Chronicled a nakhoda (captain) who "would never stop working"

Researcher's Analysis:
"While colonial accounts contain subjective impressions," Al-Rumaithi told KUNA, "Londres' work stands out for its:

1. Human-centered approach to documenting hardship

2. Technical accuracy in describing diving tools/methods

3. Cultural bridge-building through witty observations"

Academic Significance:
The paper advocates for:

• Critical re-examination of Orientalist narratives

• Comparative studies between Western and Arab sources

• Innovative heritage preservation methods for new generations

Conference Context:
The two-day event ("Folk Heritage Through Others' Eyes") features:
✓ 120+ Arab researchers
✓ Special focus on maritime intangible heritage
✓ Kuwait-Qatar-UAE collaborative sessions on pearl trade history