Dhow Facts for Kids

A dhow

A dhow is a traditional sailing boat. It is often seen in the Middle East and along the coasts of East Africa. Dhows have been used for hundreds of years. They are a popular way to travel and move goods. You can often spot them on the Nile river or in the Indian Ocean. These boats usually have one or more large sails.

What is a Dhow?
Building Dhows
Dhows Today
Images for kids
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What is a Dhow?

A dhow is a type of boat that uses sails to move. It is known for its special triangular sails. These sails are called lateen sails. They help the dhow sail well, even against the wind. Dhows are usually made of wood. They are built to be strong and last a long time.

Where are Dhows Used?

Dhows are very common in certain parts of the world. They are used a lot in the Arabian Peninsula. This includes countries like Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. They are also popular along the Swahili Coast of East Africa. This area includes countries like Kenya and Tanzania. Dhows are also seen in parts of India and Pakistan. They are used for fishing, trading, and sometimes for carrying passengers.

History of Dhows

Dhows have a very long history. People believe they have been sailing for over 1,000 years. They were very important for trade routes. These routes connected the Middle East with India and Africa. Dhows helped carry spices, fabrics, and other goods. They played a big part in the history of these regions. Sailors used the stars and winds to guide their journeys.

Different Types of Dhows

There are many different kinds of dhows. Each type has a special name and design. They are built for different purposes. Some dhows are very large and strong. They can carry a lot of cargo across long distances. Other dhows are smaller. They are used for fishing closer to shore. Some well-known types include the Baghlah, Boom, and Sambuk. Each type has unique features.

Baghlah Dhows

The Baghlah is a very large type of dhow. It was often used for long voyages. These journeys could be across the open ocean. Baghlahs were strong enough to carry heavy loads. They had a distinct square stern, which is the back part of the boat.

Boom Dhows

The Boom is another common type of dhow. It is known for its long, narrow shape. Booms are often used for fishing or coastal trade. They are faster than some other dhows. This makes them good for quick trips.

Sambuk Dhows

The Sambuk is a medium-sized dhow. It is very popular for fishing. Sambuks have a pointed bow, which is the front of the boat. They are known for being very stable in the water. This makes them safe for fishermen.

Building Dhows

Building a dhow is a special skill. It has been passed down through families for many generations. Shipbuilders use traditional methods. They often use local wood. The process can take a long time. It requires a lot of craftsmanship. Even today, dhows are still built by hand in some places. This shows the lasting tradition of these boats.

Dhows Today

Even with modern ships, dhows are still important. They are used for fishing in many coastal communities. They also carry goods between smaller ports. Some dhows are now used for tourism. People can take rides on them to see the coast. They are a beautiful reminder of the past. They also show how people still use traditional ways of life.

Images for kids

A dhow in the Indian Ocean, near the islands of Zanzibar on the Swahili Coast.
Fishermen's dhows moored at Dubai in 2014
A Shu'ai in the Persian Gulf
Dhow seen off the coast of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Dhow seen in the Indian Ocean
A dhow in the desert in Qatar
A painting of a Baghlah, traditional deep sea dhow.
Construction and repair of dhows in Sur, Oman
Dhow ferrying passengers near Inhambane, Mozambique.
A small dhow in Zanzibar
1937 stamp of Aden depicting a dhow.
Boom in the Maritime Museum in Kuwait City commemorating the founding of Kuwait as a sea port for merchants.
Patamar on a 10 Indian rupee note
Model of a Sambuk
Dhow on the Shatt al-Arab (1958)

Dhow facts for kids

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