Why are dhows important

Cotton soaked in coconut oil is also used to stuff any gaps, expanding when wet and keeping leaks out. The system of dhows traversing along the East African, Arabian and Indian coasts had an enormous cultural and economic impact on this area. It made possible a steady flow and interchange of ideas, goods, religions, flavours, and skills. This sharing of ideas and building of an international community significantly predates the modern phenomenon of globalisation.

As commerce was the main goal of these interactions there was a certain freedom that would later be stripped by colonial rulers arriving from Europe. Being at the mercy of monsoon winds, meant that sailors would spend some time in the various trading ports and interact socially much more than they would have on a quick stay. View all photos. Book a room Check in. Check out.

Adults 1 2 3 4. Children 0 1 2 3. Loyalty Card. Driven by a 1,horsepower diesel engine. He points to a pile of planks: "Not only petrol, this country, you know. Astonishingly, despite the complex profile of their hulls, these boats are built without technical drawings and rely on the skill of the builder and his ability to direct and supervise a workforce armed with traditional tools for shaping the wood, such as the adze. The company employs about 60 people, from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, who live in houses across the road from where the boats are built.

At any one time as many as nine boats are under way. The men start work at 8am and continue until the light begins to fade. Mr al Falasi, who studied business administration in the US before returning to join his father in , is saddened that no Emiratis seem to be interested in learning his trade "It is of course hard work, for locals. But at least to have some experience about this type of business and carry the heritage. He hopes that his own son, Obaid Majid Obaid, named after his grandfather, will one day carry on the family tradition; for now, however, he is only a year old and cannot even play on the wood.

Mr al Falasi has had to adapt. So I made it in a different way. I did it on my own and created a yacht on another shipyard. I brought a friend of mine in, gave him the money and made an agreement with him. He smiles. It worked: "I didn't lie to my father, I tricked him. It was in the benefit of the business. I had to do something like this for the people to see, a show model. It was a good move.

The Dhow has been through a valiant struggle to survive in its history, against all odds in a world of rapid changes and growing competition from other motorized vessels. The Dhow has fought for its very survival!

The ancient art of traditional dhow travel has been practiced in this region for centuries, fathers passing on the craft of skippering dhows to their sons through the generations. It is important for guests and agents to understand the culture surrounding dhow travel. It is a relaxed, simple and unhurried affair and you will be in the company of many other traditional dhows out on the sea, usually always within distant sight of an island or mainland coast, in case you need to retreat during sudden bad Mozambique weather.

Do not expect luxury on board!