Sport | Other Sports
Dhows to ride waves in first heat of contest
Majestically riding the waves of the Arabian Gulf, traversing the old spice trade routes of their forefathers, dhow and crew are inseparable and glorious in their splendour, their display of veneered wood and proudly flattering sails, a generation revitalised, a tradition kept alive.
- Staff Report
- Published: 23:30 November 21, 2008
- Image Credit: Supplied picture
- A 60 foot traditional dhow taking part in the Sir Bu Naair race.
Dubai: Majestically riding the waves of the Arabian Gulf, traversing the old spice trade routes of their forefathers, dhow and crew are inseparable and glorious in their splendour, their display of veneered wood and proudly flattering sails, a generation revitalised, a tradition kept alive.
In the first of three heats, over 80 dhows will ride the waves off Mina Seyahi this afternoon to compete for the grand finale of the Sir Bu Naair race in May, the world's largest dhow sailing race.
The dhow plays a major significance in more ways than imaginable in the commercial and cultural life of the UAE. A tradition steeped in respect of the sea and their heritage, the spirit of this most ancient method of transportation, is a lighthouse of enlightenment to what the people of this land have striven for.
Symbol of continuity
A living symbol of continuity and dedication to build a future as solid as their past, a present era of untiring bridging of yesterday with tomorrow.
Under the auspices of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, the dhow has been revived from its destined relegation to the annals of history and brought to prominence in the modern way of life in the UAE.
An effort to bring back from retirement the old "salt hands" of the Gulf's veterans has successfully been implemented over the years to ensure that the cryptic art of dhow manufacturing and sailing is properly instituted in the minds and hearts of the younger generations of the UAE.
An art, which is both complex and unattainable in advanced boat manufacturing techniques, an art that has fully come to age, admired and respected by all who glimpse its glorious wake.
From a standing fleet of only 19 boats, today Dubai proudly exhibits no less than 100 dhows on the open shores.
In understanding the culture of the dhow one must undertake a journey of insight into the minds and hearts of the men behind it, from the sailors to the men whose breadth of vision has enormously contributed to the realisation of this revival of culture.
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