Dubai Show Cruises, Dubai
What are Dhows?
Dhow refers to a traditional Arab sailing vessel. The long definition for dhows - they are lateen-rigged sailing vessel which had its origin in the Middle East. Early dhows were made of shells and most dhows are referred by names that refer to their of shell-first construction. Most dhows are known by names referring to their hull shape. A large vessel with a carved transom and a sloping stem is called the ghanjah.
The deep sea dhow more traditional in nature is the baghlah. It has a transom with five windows. Booms or double-ended dhows have both sternposts and stems.
The battil is another type of dhow that has long stems on top of which were club-shaped, large sternposts and stem heads that were decorated by leather and cowrie shells.
Dubai Dhow Cruise
The most adventurous and beautiful way to see Dubai is by means of a Dubai dhow cruise. The cruise offers stunning views of the city beneath a moonlit sky. Ancient wooden dhow’s go through Dubai creek at night and give passengers a fantastic view of Dubai and its past and present architecture. Notable points of interest on the way are The Dubai Chamber of Commerce, the National Bank of Dubai, the Heritage Village and Sheikh Saeed’s house. Passengers can also see other watercrafts going through the creek such as water taxis and abras.
It takes about 2 hours for a typical dhow cruise to get completed. They sail generally between 8:30pm and 10:30pm. Also additional features of a Dubai dhow cruise include delicious dinner (buffet of continental or oriental cuisine), Arabic music and traditional Arabic coffee. Most cruises serve cocktails also.
How to book a Dubai Dhow Cruise
Not only small groups can book Dubai dhow cruises but even large groups can enjoy Dubai dhow cruises during their travel to Dubai. Dubai dhow cruises are not only famous for entertainment during evenings but also famous for lunch cruises. If you are interested in booking Dubai dhow cruise before coming to Dubai, voyages within the creek or into the Gulf can be arranged for by local tour operators.
Not only the cruises, also dhow Races are of historical and cultural importance to Dubai. Races on the wooden trade vessels are still held. These are held especially on government holidays, such as the National Day on 2 December. This type of racing is one of most graceful and spectacular sports which is worth watching during Dubai travel. More than 80 traditional boats come to sea as they did in the past and their hulls of quality teak and white canvas sails are a glimpse to behold!
You can have views of the grandeur of the past alongside the ultra modern architecture on both sides of the Creek. Visitors to Dubai can also see the Dhows passing by, majestic ships which symbolize the sea-faring history of the U.A.E and also the old styled Abras which ferry people across the creek. You can also see the fisher man’s past of Dubai by walking through Jaddaf district where local craftsman can be seen making their Dhows.