Ships in the Desert -- The Dhows of Dubai

Traditional boats around the world -- first in a series
by John Weiss

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In many places throughout the world, indigenous working boats are still in active fishing, cargo, and ferry service.
One of the more unlikely of these (in my mind, anyhow) is the desert emirate of Dubai on the Arabian Gulf.
A wide "creek," actually an inlet from the gulf, splits the commercial center of Dubai and has become a
significant "road" through this desert community.

Two of the most common commercial boat types in the Dubai creek are cargo dhows that serve the coastal emirates
and water taxis that are an integral part of the local transportation system.

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Working dhows on Dubai Creek wharf
Two dhows awaiting loads       Transom planking and rudder
Closeup of hull planking and rudder stock
Dhow underway in Dubai Creek, past a distinctly nontraditional background
Dubai Municipal Ferry Dock	Who will be first to the dock?
Almost-parallel parking
Waning moon over 2003 Dubai Shopping Fesvival venue; tourist/party dhow in foreground
Almost forgotten -- tender on cargo dhow

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