Guide to Dhow Boats: History, Modern Use, Best Cruises

If you’ve ever walked the coast of Qatar, you must have seen wooden ships with huge sails passing through. These vessels are called dhow boats and have been a part of the country’s history long before the 20th century. 

What’s the story behind these artsy watercrafts? Why are they significant to Qataris? Learn all about these vessels and get the best recommendations for a dhow boat experience in Qatar.

Dhow boats have huge lateen sails and usually come with one or two masts. They’re made of hardwood, a durable material lasting over a hundred years. To prevent water leakage, artisans use cotton preserved in coconut oil between wooden planks. The vessel’s hull is put together via coconut ropes and is designed to cut through and withstand the sea waves. Dhows can have engines, but are in most cases operated and directed by adjusting the sails. 

Because of their unique appearance and durability, dhow boats are appealing to collectors. However, this is an extremely expensive hobby as a typical larger, older vessel goes from QAR 500,000 to millions.  

Most popular types

Most of the dhows you’ll spot around Qatar are Jailboots. These ships are wide and rounded, with broad hulls for heavy loads. During leisure cruises, the cargo hull in the modern Jaliboot serves as a seating area. 

Sambooq (sambuk) is a dhow boat with a pointed front. The pointed shape makes it faster and eases the steering. Sails are rigged to catch the most wind, allowing this type of dhow to change directions quickly. You can see sambuks in shallow waters and near coral reefs, as they are popular among pearl divers and fishermen. 

Baghlah is a large dhow boat with a high stern. It’s typically used for cargo transportation due to its size and ability to carry heavy loads. They are much slower than other types, so they aren’t as popular for traveling.

Lastly, a boom is a larger dhow boat with a deep, long hull. It features a curved stern and two large masts with sails. Boom’s construction provides the most stability, and these boats are perfect for carrying heavy loads and long-distance cargo transportation.

Historically, dhow boats were designed for rough seas, and their main purpose was to connect Qatar to the rest of the world. Each wooden piece was handcrafted, and at first, the sails were made out of woven palm trees. At that time, they were essential for fishing expeditions, transporting textiles, spices and dates, and pearl diving.

Due to their deep cultural and historical connections to the country, these ships are protected and preserved in various museums and along the Qatar coastlines. For instance, Al Wakra Souq hosts numerous restored boats, and the Museum of Islamic Arts showcases vessels from previous generations. 

Furthermore, you can see the influence of the dhow in the design of Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakra. The roof is similar to the overturned hull, and the structure looks like the sails of a dhow boat.

Qatar's currency has a dhow boat embedded in its QAR 1 note, and the national emblem of Qatar also features this vessel.

There are other ways the country continues to preserve the dhow’s significance. One of them is the Katara Dhow Festival. This festival is held near the end of each year and aims to teach the new generation about the maritime history and heritage of the region through lessons, events, and even professional sail painting.

During the festival, participants engage in pearl diving, rowing, and fishing tournaments. What’s more, dhow boat racing is one of the competitions held during the February National Sports Day and the December Qatar National Day.

If you want a private dhow experience and maybe even a chance to steer a boat, you should consider renting. Dhow rentals typically come with a captain on board and a small crew. Popular options include Experience Qatar, which goes from QAR 650–820 per hour, with a captain and a crew of two sailors, and Ad Jadwal, which is QAR 2,000 for four hours.

Moreover, visitors can book one of the Qatar International Tours, which start from QAR 1,800, depending on the size of the vessel, for a five-hour ride. Lastly, the National Cruise lasts for two hours, with beverages (coffee, water, tea) included from QAR 1,500.

If you prefer your voyage to be planned for you, you can opt for a cruise. These excursions differ in terms of price, length, time, and whether they offer refreshments or food. To ensure you’ll have a place on board, book your ride at least a few days in advance. 

A great option to check out is the National Cruise Arabic Dhow Ride, which includes 30 minutes of cruising with water, coffee, and tea for QAR 25 per person. Or, you can book a Charter 247 Dhow Cruise with Dinner that comes with hotel pickup, four hours of sailing, live performances, and dinner for QAR 1,500 per person.

In addition, the Arabian Adventures Qatar Dhow Cruise includes four hours of sailing with a barbecue buffet and refreshments, and is available for a minimum of 20 adults for QAR 220 per person. The Discover Qatar Dhow Sunset Cruise lasts for two hours, comes with refreshments (water, coffee, and tea), and is priced QAR 150 per traveler.

Another great cruise option is Al Jadwal Dhow Boat Trip with BBQ — a private four-hour tour with barbecue and soft drinks for up to ten people for QAR 3,600. Lastly, the Al Jadwal Dhow Watersports Package is a five-hour dhow excursion for jet ski and donut and banana ride fans. It’s available for up to 15 people for QAR 4,500.