1st Extended Summary

The Ras-al-Khaimah Pearls Museum

Pearls historically have been prized around the world and they have had a great impact on the local Gulf economy. Evidence of this, together with the many myths that have surrounded the pearl, can be found in RAK’s new Pearls Museum. RAK used to be the capital of the pearl trading industry, which collapsed in the 1930s with the Japanese invention of cultured pearls. Natural pearls occur in oysters so pearl diving became virtually obsolete.

The thousands of local pearls on display at the 2-storey museum are from RAK’s waters. Apart from the pearl, every bit of the oyster is used: the shell for design, the interior for food and what’s left for fertilizer. On the first floor is a historical journey, including divers’ equipment, which makes it clear just how dangerous diving was. Visitors can also take a pearl-diving experience trip on a dhow. On the second floor there are photographs, some of Japanese female divers, and displays of the world’s famous pearls, including information on how to distinguish natural from cultured pearls. The centerpiece of the display is RAK’s 12mm Miracle of Arabia pearl.

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1st practice summary

The Hajj

Each year about 2M  Muslims from all over the world perform the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. All Muslims, physically fit and financially able are expected to do the Hajj, which takes place in the twelfth month of the Islamic year and lasts about 6 days. Vaccination and crowd control are major problems for the Saudi authorities. Before entering Mecca the pilgrims cleanse themselves and don fresh, simple clothing symbolizing the equality of all before God. First pilgrims walk 7 times around the Ka’aba, the large black cube in Mecca.  They also travel 7 times between the hills of Safa and Marwah. They then travel to Mina and stay overnight. The next day they travel to the plain of Arafat, scene of Mohamed’s last sermon.. That evening they camp at Muzdalifah. Back at Mina they throw stones at pillars where they believe Satan tempted Abraham. Sheep are slaughtered by or in the name of each pilgrim. Returning to Mecca, the pilgrims repeat the first-day tasks. They then return to Mina for 3 days of prayers. The final ritual is the farewell Tawaf around the Ka’aba.

187 words