Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

We admire our past, boast our present,
and look forward for our future with confidence,
knowledge, sharp will, and unwavering resolution.
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Should the path to glory be smooth, everyone
would have trotted, but it is a highly testing ground.
Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Our Marine Heritage is Testament
to Our True Belonging
The Sea played a huge role in shaping the heritage & culture of
the UAE’s people. It had a lasting impact in forming & enriching
our culture for ages.
Our leaders and national figures kept urging us to relish our
traditions & national identity, and preserve our rich heritage
for future generations.
Boat building industry is a headline of our marine heritage in
which our ancestors made huge & admirable efforts. It is our
duty to at least make every effort to preserve this legacy for
our generation and present it to our visitors. By doing so, we
will be able to instill a sense of true belonging in our current
generation and enable them to maintain a healthy balance between
tradition & modernization.
This publication, compiled by RTA Marine Agency, is a valuable
contribution to revive & preserve the industry of boat-building
in the UAE and the whole Gulf area. We hope it will provide a
link between generations and strengthen the base of our maritime
heritage.
We hope that all those concerned with the marine legacy of
the UAE and the Gulf region will find this publication useful in
documenting the traditional boat-building industry. We equally
hope that researchers and innovators will be inspired by the
collections contained in this book in developing heritage-oriented
initiatives & modern products.
Mattar Al Tayer
Chairman of the Board
and Executive Director of the RTA

Contents
Types of Sailing Boats ......................................................................... 13
Al-Jalibout ...................................................................................... 14
Al-Sanbook .................................................................................... 15
Al-Shouee ...................................................................................... 16
Al-Baqqara & Al-Bateel .................................................................. 17
Al-Boom ......................................................................................... 18
Al-Boom Al-Qata’a .......................................................................... 19
Al-Boom Al-Saffar .......................................................................... 20
Water Boom ................................................................................... 21
Al-Baghla ....................................................................................... 22
Al-Warjiah (Al-Shasha) ................................................................... 23
Al-Lanj ............................................................................................ 24
Al-Hoori .......................................................................................... 25
Al-Mashwa ..................................................................................... 26
Al-Keet ........................................................................................... 27
Al-Katter ......................................................................................... 28
Al-Ghanja ........................................................................................ 29
Al-Balam ........................................................................................ 30
Al-Chala ......................................................................................... 31
Al-Kashti ........................................................................................ 32
Al-Kooteh ....................................................................................... 33
Al-Abri ............................................................................................ 34
Al-Abra ........................................................................................... 35
Rowing Abra ................................................................................... 36
Al-Badan ........................................................................................ 37
Ship Building Terminologies ............................................................... 40
Building of Sailing Boats .................................................................... 52
A Selection of Antique Photos ............................................................. 76

Marine Agency

Types of
Sailing
Boats

Type of Boat Al-Jalibout Type of Boat Al-Sanbook
Usage
Length, Width
& Load
Name
Place
Used in pearl diving, Al-Tawasha operations, and in the buying
& selling of pearls.
Base length ranges from 20 to 100 feet. Base length of the
Omani Jaliboat is 50 feet.
Derived from a type of western boats called the Jolly Boat.
Most Arabian Gulf countries.
14
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area
Usage
Length, Width
& Load
Name
Place
One of the most famous boats in the Gulf after Al-Boom and
it is one of the key diving boats. It was used for Al-Tawasha
or pearl trading. The Omani Sanbook is larger than other
models in the Gulf countries. Al-Sanbook was used for sea
voyages to India & Africa, whereas the Yemeni Sanbook was
used in marine transport and pronounced as “Al-Sanbooq”
in Yemen.
Base length is about 60 feet (40 arms length).
Unknown.
Most Arabian Gulf countries and Yemen.
15
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area

Type of Boat Al-Shouee Type of Boat Al-Baqqara & Al-Bateel
Usage
Length, Width
& Load
Name
Place
It is smaller than Al-Sanbook and used for pearl diving. It is
considered one of the most important fishing boats in the
Arabian Gulf.
Up to 75 feet or less.
Unknown.
Most Arabian Gulf countries.
16
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area
Usage
Length, Width
& Load
Name
Place
They are two of greatly similar diving boats and considered
one of the oldest pearl diving boats. As they were fast they
were used by some pirates in the Gulf & Arabian Sea. They
were also used in the military.
Load ranges from 100 to 300 tons.
Unknown. Building of such boats had since been stopped.
Most Arabian Gulf countries and India.
17
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area

Type of Boat Al-Boom Type of Boat Al-Boom Al-Qatta’a
Usage
Length, Width
& Load
Name
Place
It is one of the most famous types of boats designed by Gulf
boat builders. It was used in marine transport, and used to a
lesser extent in pearl diving.
Length ranges from 50 to 70 feet, and load is in excess of
300 tons.
Unknown.
Originally famous in Kuwait but built in all Arabian Gulf
countries as well as in India and Persia.
18
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area
Usage
Length, Width
& Load
Name
Place
Similar to diving boats, it was used in cargo transport within
the Arabian Gulf.
Load not more than 100 tons.
Unknown.
Built in all Arabian Gulf countries and India.
19
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area

Type of Boat Al-Boom Al-Saffar Type of Boat Water Boom
Usage
Length, Width
& Load
Name
Place
It is a sailing boat built to replace Al-Baghla in serving Gulf
marine transport. They proved themselves as the best sailing
boats in the Gulf, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Their
success led to the spread of its building in many places.
Load in excess of 100 tons.
Called Al-Boom Al-Saffar as it was used in long distance sea
travels.
Built in all Arabian Gulf countries and India.
20
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area
Usage
Length, Width
& Load
Name
Place
A medium-sized Al-Boom boat, but slightly different as it has
no deck in a bid to increase its loading capacity. It was used
for water transport. Water used to be loaded in wooden tanks
(called fantas or tankee).
Information unavailable.
Called Water Boom as they were used in transporting drinking
water only.
Most Arabian Gulf countries.
21
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area

Type of Boat Al-Baghla Type of Boat Al-Warjiah (Al-Shasha)
Usage
Length, Width
& Load
Name
Place
Built to transport dates & woods across deep seas open to
wind.
Information unavailable / looks like Al-Ghanja boat.
Called Sea Prince and Master of Marine Transport. There is a
similar boat called Bugalet used along the northern French
coast in the seventeenth century. However, Arab sea men
were inspired by the design of Al-Baghla and Al-Ghanja from
the Portuguese.
Information unavailable.
22
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area
Usage
Length, Width
& Load
Name
Place
Called Al-Warjiah in Kuwait and Shasha in other Gulf countries.
It was used in fishing trips near the coast.
A small boat made of palm leaves, firmly fastened by ropes
and has two rowing pedals.
Unknown.
Most Arabian Gulf countries.
23
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area

Type of Boat Al-Lanj Type of Boat Al-Hoori
Usage
Length, Width
& Load
Name
Place
Used as a fishing boat.
Base length ranges from 15 to 40 feet and has a straight bow
similar to Al-Sanbook.
Unknown.
Most Arabian Gulf countries and Persia.
24
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area
Usage
Length, Width
& Load
Name
Place
A small boat carved from a stem of a tree. Used in transporting
fish from fishing yards (Al-Hazrah) to the coast. It was
also used as a means of transport from one boat to another.
Length ranges from 10 to 20 feet.
Unknown.
An Indian boat, and Arabs derived its design from India in
the Pre-Islamic era.
25
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area

Type of Boat Al-Mashwa Type of Boat Al-Keet
Usage
Length, Width
& Load
Name
Place
It is one of the small Gulf boats used for transporting dates,
with a loading capacity of 20 tons, and as a rescue boat
affixed on board Al-Boom. It was also used as a means of
transporting sailors along with their luggage and cargo from
ports to boats and vice versa. It is operated by rowing pedals.
Has a length of 25 feet.
Unknown.
Most Arabian Gulf countries.
26
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area
Usage
Length, Width
& Load
Name
Place
One of the small boats used in transporting individuals and
supplies as well as transporting individuals between diving
boats. It was also used by sailors when they intended to visit
other sailors.
Loading capacity: 6 – 8 persons.
Unknown.
Most Arabian Gulf countries.
27
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area

Type of Boat Al-Katter Type of Boat Al-Ghanja
Usage
Length, Width
& Load
Name
Place
A small boat usually carried on board Al-Boom & Al-Baghla boats
for use by sailors from one place to another in different
ports.
Loading capacity: from 4 to 6 persons.
Unknown.
Most Arabian Gulf countries.
28
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area
Usage
Length, Width
& Load
Name
Place
An Indian ship similar to Al-Baghla, but with a different bow.
Such type of boats originated from Muscat and was used in
long travels.
Information unavailable / looks like Al-Baghla boat.
Unknown.
Originally it is an Indian-make boat, and currently built in
the Sultanate of Oman.
29
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area

Type of Boat Al-Balam Type of Boat Al-Chala
Usage
Length, Width
& Load
Name
Place
The small Balam was used in fishing and the large Balam was
used in diving, but at a limited range.
Information unavailable.
Unknown.
Built in most Arabian Gulf countries and Iraq.
30
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area
Usage
Length, Width
& Load
Name
Place
A strange name given to a sailing boat that looks like the
Al-Boom boat at the bow. It is a medium sized boat that was
used in transporting rocks for building houses.
Has a base length of 36 feet (24 arm length).
Unknown.
Most Arabian Gulf countries.
31
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area

Type of Boat Al-Kashti Type of Boat Al-Kooteh
Usage
Length, Width
& Load
Name
Place
One of the fishing boats. Looks like Al-Baqqara in body and is
still used at some docks around the entrance of the Arabian Gulf.
Information unavailable.
Al-Kashti means a boat / ship in Persian language.
Most Arabian Gulf countries in addition to Persia.
32
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area
Usage
Length, Width
& Load
Name
Place
An Indian origin boat bought by Gulf traders from India, but
made some modifications making it similar to Gulf boats. It
was used in long distance travel in ferrying wood, dates, etc.
from India to the Arabian Gulf countries.
Large and small-size models are built.
Unknown.
An Indian made boat that looks like the Dutch & British
military ships.
33
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area

Type of Boat Al-Abri Type of Boat Al-Abra
Usage
Length, Width
& Load
Name
Place
Makalla (the main port of Hadramaut) was famous for building
such pattern of small boats used in light transport across
the coast.
Loading capacity ranges from 5 to 15 tons.
The name originates from Abbara; a boat used in transit from one
bank to another.
A Yemeni made boat.
34
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area
Usage
Length, Width
& Load
Name
Place
The city of Dubai was famous for this type of small boats
used in light domestic transit between Bur Dubai and Deira
across Dubai Creek.
Loading capacity ranges from 5 to 11 tons
Length: 35 feet
Width: 12 feet
Depth: 5 feet
Passenger capacity: 20 passengers.
The name originates from Abbara; a boat used in transit
from one bank to another.
UAE, India and Pakistan.
35
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area

Type of Boat Rowing Abra Type of Boat Al-Badan
Usage
Length, Width
& Load
Name
Place
The city of Dubai was earlier famous for this type of small boats
used in light domestic transit between Bur Dubai and Deira
across the Creek.
Loading capacity: 5 tons
Length: 18 feet
Width: 5.5 feet
Depth: 2.5 feet
Passenger capacity: 4 passengers.
The name originates from Abbara; a boat used in transit from one
bank to another.
UAE, India and Pakistan.
36
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area
Usage
Length, Width
& Load
Name
Place
One of the most famous Omani boats used in fishing and
coastal transit throughout the Sultanate of Oman. It is one
of the antique Omani boats.
Loading capacity ranges from 20 to 100 tons.
Unknown.
Omani made boat.
37
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area

Al-Boom Al-Saffar
Diving Boom
Al-Boom Al-Qatta’a
Water Boom
Hammal Bachi
Al-Ballam
Overview of Boat Decks
38
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area
Bateel & Baqqara
Jalibout
Overview of Boat Decks
39
Chala
Mashwa
Keet
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area

Ship
Building
Terminologies

Bard
Barmeel
Barandah
Bissah
Ballad
Baleema
Bandeerah
Bumeh
Bais
Beewar
Taj
Tareej
Ta’aradah
Tafer
Ship Building Terminologies
The internal / external side of the body of the boat.
A piece of wood of rounded edges extending along and covering the
front & back Mail.
One of the ropes fixed at the front end of the main mast and the body
of the boat. It is linked with the side of the boat behind the mast.
A line extending across the pulleys at the top of the mast and used to
hoist the sail.
An iron block hung with a thread and used in detecting the straightness
of the front & back Mail with regard to Al-Bais (bottom of the boat).
A line used to tie & control the front end of the sail (Al-Yoush).
The flag.
A small triangular-shaped sail at the bow of the boat.
The base of a boat (Al-Harrab).
A line used to keep the mast in place, and is positioned to the front of
the main mast.
The front part of Al-Baghla or Al-Ghanja boat.
The last (upper) wooden plates extending from the bow up to the
stern of the boat.
A wooden piece between two posts at the bow & stern for supporting
the Farman, when lowered.
Stern.
42
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area
Jali
Jama’a
Jaddoom
Jalangha
Jib
Hezamat
Hul
Halaqa
Hamar Bahar
Hamlah
Khudd
Kharab
Khunn
Khabeesa
Daper
Cover of the entrance to the inside of the boat.
A piece of hard wood containing four pulleys rotating around an axis
inside which the lines hoisting the sail are entered (lines collector).
A handheld tool used for cutting & trimming woods used in boat
building.
A V–shaped piece of wood (part of a tree branch) used as Atfa at the
stern (Tafer).
A triangular sail hoisted on the headstay in unfavourable weather
conditions.
A number of wooden boards inside the body of the boat used for tying
Shalameen & Atfa together (belting the internal body of the boat).
An oil extracted from the palm trees used in cotton needed for Qalfating
the boat.
An iron ring used for tying ropes.
A large Sawar at the bow of the boat near Tashkeel used for tying
ropes.
The boat’s body profile from the base up to the specified draught line,
determining the ability of the boat to take load and navigate.
The next wooden board in building a boat following Al-Malij.
A line tying the anchor in a pearl diving boat.
The internal store of the boat.
A long and outward sloping pole in the stern (at the end of Al-Neem)
corresponding with a pole at the other end, and the two carry Al-Gafla;
which is a horizontal bar upon which the Farman of the small sail
(Al-Qalami) rests. Sometimes the small sail is tied with Al-Khabeesa.
When the boat sails and the wind blew from the back.
43
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area

Dasi
Damen
Dabbosa
Dar
Darrabah
Darkal
Darkeh
Darmit
Darisha
Dastoor
Daqal
Dahmeh
Ship Building Terminologies
A line on one side of the sail. There is an upper Dasi and a lower Dasi,
both act as the frame maintaining the shape of the sail.
A line at the bottom of the back end of the sail for tying and affixing it
to the boat.
A chamber below the upper deck of Al-Baghla or Al-Boom used for
storing foodstuff or sails.
The plural is Daroor. They are small ropes to tie the edge of the sail
with the Farman or the wood used to hoist the sail.
The plural is Darareeb. They are wooden boards put vertically on the
sides of the boat to increase the height of the body and protect the cargo
from getting wet. Their height might be 1 meter or more in large boats.
Maintenance & repair of the boat.
A line fixed on the edge of the boat (Al-Zabadreh) with a stick to
which one of the sail lines is tied.
A board put below Al-Salbees board on both of the internal sides of
the boat to help Al-Salbees board carry Al-Sawarat on which deck
boards are fixed.
A small window at the right side of the stern used for loading woods to
the inside of the boat, and has a lid to cover it before boat departure.
A straight wood, the edge of which is tied with Al-yoush rope and
moved from the upwards to the front side of the boat to pull the edge
of the sail. This process is known as Nas’a Al-Dastoor.
Boat mast. There is Al-Daqal Al-oud and Al-Daqal Al-Qalami.
One edge of the sail
44
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area
Dawar
Dome
Deira
Riqa’ah
Rummaneh
Ruwaisi
Reel
Zabadreh
Zaghbeh
Zand
Zolli
Ziyar
Satoor
Sajajeh
Sadeeri
A hand rotated machine used for winding lines and tightening loads.
The upper end of the sail.
Compass.
A non-pointed stern like Al-Baghla, Al-Sanbook, Al-Shouee and others.
It is usually engraved like Al-Baghla and Al-Sanbook.
A wood on both sides of Al-Neem behind the pole used for tying
the sail. It also has a protruding wood at the front end of Al-Baghla,
known as Al-Bageet.
A rope tied with the upper end of Al-Farmen and fixed to one side of
the boat to prevent the Al-Farmen from moving to the other end.
Boards at both sides of Al-Neem including a number of steel rods,
with openings in-between to prevent them from falling in the sea.
A wooden board covering the sides of the boat horizontally.
A piece of wood placed above Al-Farmen at the point of linking it with
Al-Daqal to strengthen the Al-Farmen.
A half circle shaped piece of wood fixed to Al-Kashteel through which
the anchor line passes and tied to it.
A semi circular wooden box used as a water closet and hung to a side
of the stern.
A line tying the main mast with the Al-Abed, or the wood at the front.
The upper front outward protruding part of the boat (Al-Boom), the
side of which is usually painted in black & white.
A piece of wood used to close openings in the body of the boat to
prevent water leakage.
Two boards at the bow (Al-Boom) fixed on both sides above Al-Tareeh
board to protect Al-Kashteel from the waves.
45
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area

Sikkan
Sakniah
Salbis
Sun
Shart
Sharkh (Jarkh)
Shafzeh
Shaqqeh
Shalman
Sal
Soofi
Tariee
Tableh
Abbari
Abd
Ship Building Terminologies
Rudder of the boat. The driver of the rudder is called Sakkooni.
A bundle of iron (Zuwaileh) used for fastening wooden boards
together with the base of the boat.
A thick wood affixed to both interior sides of the boat to carry
Al-Sawarat on which deck boards are fixed.
A piece of iron or rock used as anchor.
One of the lines tied to the mast and fastened on the boat sides.
The wheel that moves the rudder in a boat (Al-Boom or Baghla).
The right and longer side of the sail.
A piece of cloth of limited width (50 cm) sewed together to form the sail.
A piece of wood used to build the inner ribs of the boat.
Fish oil used in painting the interior and exterior of boats to preserve
& maintain them.
A tool through which the rudder is moved when turned by the wheel
or Al-Jarkh (a wooden cylinder).
A piece of wood fixed on both sides of boat’s base to tie the worn out
body boards of the boat as a temporary measure.
Located at the front around Al-Satoor and at the back behind the deck
of Al-Neem.
The distance between the entrance of Al-Khun (boat interior) and the
other front opening.
A standing wood in front of the mast tied to it by ropes as a further
measure to stabilize it
46
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area
Abaidar
Atfa
Aqrab
Amarani
Anafeh
Anaj
Aibat
Falki
Faten
Farman
Fils
Fanneh
Qa’iem
A piece of wood fixed on board a boat to the front of Al-Neem through
which pass the lines necessary for lifting the sail.
An obtuse angle-shaped piece of wood fixed inside the body of the
boat above Al-Jafatoah board by means of nails between two Shalmans
A piece of wood at the point of linking Al-Mail with Al-Buss inside the
boat to enhance its stability.
One of the lines used to prevent the mast from movement and fix it to
the body of the boat.
The curved Al-Zarf of the stern column (Mail Tafer) in Al-Boom boat,
with a star usually engraved to garnish it.
A piece of wood encircling the boat from the inside above the deck
at the point of linking it to both the sides of the boat. Its role is to
prevent the water from leaking inside the boat and to ensure firm connection
between the deck and sides.
Pieces of wood on both sides of Al-Neem boat (Al-Boom) between
which there are iron rods, all of them called Al-Reel.
An upper board on both sides of Al-Neem (Al-Boom) ending with a
pointed end.
A piece of wood in the mid of the lower deck of the boat upon which
the mizzen mast (Al-Qalami) is based.
The horizontal frame holding the sail and lifting it up the mast, which
is usually composed of several firmly tied ropes together.
A solid piece of wood used as a base for the main mast.
The back deck of the diving boats and Al-Qatta’a which is raised a bit
above the front deck.
A vertical bar on both sides of the boat at the bow of Al-Neem, with a
strong square shape, and the mast line is sometimes tied to it. It also
helps sailors in hoisting the main mast.
47
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area

Qab (Jib)
Qabit (Jabit)
Qafleh (Jafleh)
Qaitan (Jaitan)
Katli
Kamreh
(Jamreh)
Kawer
Kabrat
Kattat
Katter
Karwah
Kashteel
Ship Building Terminologies
The mast head where its head is leveled as it were a four-sided pyramid
with the head cut.
The protruding front end of the front bar (Mail Sader) in Al-Baghleh. It
is characterized by a downward curve, with a protruding end (Rammaneh).
A piece of wood inside which is a rotating wheel, and it is used for
tightening the lines tied with the sail.
A thick board of the boat body wood located between Al-Kammer
board and Al-Tareej board.
A table slightly elevated above the deck of Al-Neem, where the captains
of the boat sit and sleep.
An entrance to the chamber under Al-Neem (Al-Daboosa).
A solid piece of wood with a pointed end and triangle shape, placed
under any wooden piece of the boat, so that when it is hit strongly,
the wood will not come out of its place.
A place at the start of the upper deck of the boat, triangular in shape
at the backside of the boat where Sawar Kabrat is located.
A small rod on which a small boat is hanged at the side of the boat.
A small boat used by the captain in transit from a place to another in
different ports.
A piece of wood in the shape of a right angle.
The raised front end of Al-Boom where the anchor and lines are placed.
48
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area
Kalb (Jalb)
Kakalfat
Kamer
Kankha
Koriah
(Korajah)
Kuwaisiyeh
Langoti
Maddeh
Makri
Malaj (Malak)
Matah
Majdafeh
Mazwari
A circular cut wooden bar placed horizontally above the front Mail of
the boat at the start of Al-Kashteel, backed by two small upright bars,
each one named Al-Abd.
(Qalfatat) Filling the external cracks between the wooden boards on
the external sides of the boat, using thick cotton thread.
A thick wooden board of the body of the boat used to determine the
water level around the boat.
Kits at the point of connection between the Al-Farmen and Al-Daqal
(such as Al-Qabeeb & Al-Maltani and others).
A measure of the number of wooden pieces necessary for building a
boat. It is said that the boat needs 5 Korajah, and the Korajah contains
20 pieces.
A nail with a long head used to tie the boards together.
A large nail used for fastening Al-Shamalain with the base of the boat.
A piece of copper fixed around the stern bar (Mail Tafer) containing a hole
where a nail (Nar) is fixed on one side of the rudder to facilitate rotation.
A piece of wood with multiple uses. There is a Makri at the side of
Al-Qayem so that a solid wooden bar is fixed, and accordingly the
main mast is fixed before being lifted. There is a Makri at one side of
Al-Satoor in Al-Boom boat such that anchor lines pass around. There
is also a Makri at the end of Al-Farman (Al-Nabbash).
The first wooden board of the body of the boat directly linked with the
base and Mails.
One of the ingredients of the line. (There are three Matahs of the line
running together).
A long straight piece of wood. Several pieces of these woods are
placed around the boat and tied with the body so as to maintain the
boat’s balance at the time of tide.
A labourer to assist in transporting woods and others in the boat
building yards
49
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area

Mashai
Magher
Mankher
Mandate
(Mandeh)
Manzareh
Manqer
(Manjer)
Mail
Nabbash
Nur
Nashab
Naael
Neem
Ship Building Terminologies
One of the boards placed vertically on the building Sawarat of the
body of the boat which determines the frame of Al-Khun entrance.
An opening with a shutter where the water inside the boat is discharged
when the boat is hoisted for maintenance on the coast.
An opening at the masthead where the lines tied to Al-Farman enter.
A piece of wood upon which the deck of the boat rests. There are
Mandats under the lower deck at the opening of Al-Khun. There are
Mandats at the lower deck under Sawar Al-Neem, both of them contribute
to hold the load of Sawar Al-Neem.
Two wooden boards of the boat’s body between two Qaitans.
A handheld tool used for cutting and leveling wood.
The bow or stern bar (Mail Sader or Mail Tafer).
A piece of wood added to the front or back end of Al-Farmen such that
a bigger sail can be lifted thereon.
Part of the hinge fixing the rudder and passes through Al-Madeh fixed
around the stern wood (Mail Tafer).
A wooden board between the Al-Sawars supporting the deck of the boat.
It is also a piece of wood used to prevent the Al-Fils from moving to the
right or left.
Wooden pieces placed on the inner base of the boat on which the
cargo is placed lest it will not be wet
The upper deck of the boat, and it occupies around one third of the
main deck (Al-Qamareh / Al Cabineh)
50
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area
Handaseh
Hawaseh
Hoori
Wadereh
Wanis
Wisadeh
(Waside)
Washaar
Yardeeleh
Yamalooh
Yammeh
Yoush
A quarter of a circle of copper where there are marks determining
specific angels called Khun or Akhnan from where a thread is hung
containing a heavy piece of iron used for measuring the deviation
angle of the front & rear bars from the base.
A line tying two wooden pieces, tilted at the middle by a wooden rod,
pressing the two pieces to bring them together.
A small boat carved from a stem of a tree imported from India.
The pit extending along Al-Mail or Al-Bais where the boards building
the body of the boat are entered.
A cover of the chamber where diving sailors keep their food (Al-Majileh).
A piece of wood formed in such a way to touch Al-Satoor and its upper
boards at the bow. They are located under the boards of Al-Tabaleh
and to the front of Al-Kashteel.
A description of the boat that has just been built.
A piece of wood entering and rotating around Al-Qafiyeh and through
which the ropes are tied to the sail pass.
Wooden boards forming a barrier at both sides of the back of the diving
boat.
The inner side of the bottom of the boat where water is accumulated.
The front (short) end of the sail
51
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area

Building
of Sailing
Boats

• Boats Wood
In building their boats, Kuwaitis relied on various woods imported from India
and East Africa (1) . Al-Saj is considered one of the most important types of
wood, as it is resilient and has a high durability. It is brought from Al-Nebar in
India and used in building boat sides & decks. It has different types such as
Shakki, Al-Faini, Al-Manteej, Al-Daman and Baraweh. As to boat Shalameen
and sides, they are usually built of Al-Saj or Al-Fanus woods brought from Al-
Nebar, Baraweh, Al-Daman and Khoramian. Sometimes Shalameen are built of
Sabeet (2) , which is brought from Somalia. It is different from Al-Jankhari wood
important from Al-Nebar, which is solid and strong, and is therefore used in
building Al-Bais, Al-Sader, Al-Salbees and Al-Sawar (3) .
Abdullah Al-Hatem (4) says that Ahmed bin Rizq Al-Asaad is the first to bring
the giant wood for building various sizes of sailing boats in Kuwait. Later on he
was followed by a number of Kuwaiti traders who used to bring it together with
other materials needed for boat building and was delivered to the masters
for building the required boats. Among the most famous of these traders (5) is
Hamad Al-Saqr, Abdul Aziz Al-Othman, Ahmed Al-Khurafi, Falah Al-Khurafi, Abdul
Aziz Hamad Al-Saqr, Khaled Dawood Al-Marzook & brothers, Shaheen Al-
Ghanim, Mohammed Al-Asfoor, Abdul Wahab bin Abdul Aziz Al-Qattami, Mohammed
Thunaiyan Al-Ghanim, Rashid Bu Rasli, Abdullah Bu Rasli and others.
When the boat building finishes, the remaining material are sold (6) to other
wood traders in Kuwait.
• Boat Nails
Beside wood, ship building is based on metal nails made by blacksmiths in
Kuwait. Kuwaitis used to bring it from Abadan and India (7) . Their sizes and
lengths vary according to the place in which they will be placed. Lengths ranges
from one zura’a (arm) or more, for the normal sized nail (8) .
1. Interview made with Al-Haj Ali Abdullah Abdul Rasool.
2. Ibid
3. Two interviews made with Al-Haj Hassan Abdullah Abdul Rasool.
4. In his book: From Here I Started Kuwait, Umumia Printing Press, Damascus, P97
5. Two interviews made with Al-Haj Ali Abdullah Abdul Rasool on 31/5/81 and Al-Haj Hassan Abdullah Abdul Rasool
on 6/12/1981.
6. Ali Abdullah Abdul Rasool says that building a boat requires about 20 Badaneh i.e. 200 pieces of large wooden
boards cracked in the form of Al-Saj boards. It also requires 20 Koriah (Korajah) i.e. 400 pieces of wood for Al-Shalamin,
in addition to some wooden boxes used on the deck of the boat. It also requires about 200 to 500 Hudder or
more (i.e. from 10 to 35 thousand KG) of metal nails. See a report on boat building in Kuwait, Al-Kuwaiti Magazine,
Issue of 16/10/1969, P38. See the interview made with Al-Haj Hassan Abdullah Abdul Rasool on 6/12/1981.
7. C. W. Hawkins says that Kuwaitis used to use Bahraini nails and prefer them to Indian nails as they are smooth.
See The Dhow, Nautical Pub. CO. LTD, London, P44.
8. Interview with Al-Haj Musa Sabti Suleiman and Al-Haj Ali Abdullah Abdul Rasool.
54
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area
• Al-Fatayel
Al-Fatayel are cotton threads used in filling the gaps between the wooden
boards (1) , after being placed in Al-Sal, so as to stick between woods and prevent
water from leaking inside. Wood traders used to bring them from Dubai & India.
• Al-Sal and Al-Shooneh
Al-Sal is extracted from fishes and is brought to Kuwait from southern part of the
Arabian Peninsula and Al-Nebar in India. It is used for painting the woods of the
boat after being built and before launching, as it expands the lifetime of wood (2) .
Al-Shooneh or Al-Wadak is a blend of grease and lime, used for painting the
lower part of the boat affected by water so as to make it salt resistant. The lower
part of the boat is sometimes clamped with copper to prevent wood erosion (3) .
• Sail Cloth (Al-Gazl)
In addition to wood, nails, Al-Fatayel, Al-Sal and Al-Shooneh, boat building
also requires sailing cloth (Al-Ghazl) used to be brought by Kuwaitis from Bahrain,
India, Karachi and Barawa in the form of Duriyat or rolls, each measuring
40-50 meters in length (4) . Then they cut Al-Duriya to rectangular shaped
pieces known as (Al-Shiqaq) composing the sail, depending on size and type.
• Boat Ropes
There was also a need for ropes made of palm tree fibres as well as Asaweh
& Arajeen of date trees brought in the form of small or large bundles (Baitat)
from Calicut. Ropes are tied in different ties and knots known as Al-Nashqa,
Al-Tarbia’a, Al-Ghurfa and Al-Hindiah.
Ropes are defined according to length, thickness and usage. Thick ropes are
known as Al-Ammar & Al-Sagheer, and those used by divers are known as Abridoon.
Al-Sarkali was known as the best type. There are other types of ropes
such as wooden ropes, Albi, Maleet, Asawa, Al-Janb or Al-Qanb (5) .
A number of ropes are linked to the Daqal & sail of the boat such as Laziar used
to link Al-Daqal. There is Al-Amareen on the left & right sides of the middle
part of Al-Daqal, Al-Bayawer on the front side of Al-Daqal, and Al-Khamari on
the upper part. There are also Al-Damen, Al-Daroor and Al-Mukh ropes used in
strengthening & tying the sail. Each one of them has a unique job (6) .
1. David Howarth, op cit., p.72
2. The first interviews made with Al-Haj Hassan Abdullah Abdul Rasool.
3. Eisa Al-Qattami, ibid, p217
John H.A. Jewell, Dhows at Mombasa, East African Pub. House, Nairobi, 1969 p.28
4. Width of Al-Duriyah is about 70 cm, Past Memories, a radio program, prepared & presented by Mohammed
Habib, series 98
5. Saif Marzook Al-Shamlan, Diving History, V2, p458
6. Ibid, V2, P507
55
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area

• Tools Used in Boat Building
The tools used in boat building are very simple. Nevertheless there are many good
types of boats that were produced and were plying the Arabian Gulf & Indian
Ocean, and proved to be accurate, strong and safe. These tools included:
1. Al-Manqer:
It is stated in Lisan Al-Arab, by Ibn Manzoor, that Al-Manqer originates from the
word “Al-Naqer”; which is a sort of grinding stone and also means “to hit”. The
Minqer is a tool and the plural is Manaqeer. Al-Naqeer is the leftovers of wood,
rocks … etc. It follows that Al-Manqer is an Arab word that gives the meaning
of shaving and cleaning the wood.
2. Manqer Kalfat:
It is a metal piece with one part having two ends; such that it is used to insert
threads between wooden pieces, so that water cannot penetrate inside the boat.
3. Al-Gadoom (Al-Jadoom):
The plural is Gadayem or Gudam. It is a tool used by boat workers for slicing or
carving of wood.
4. Al-Minshaar:
It is stated in Lisan Al-Arab that Al-Minshaar (saw) is a tool used for cutting
wood. It is made of different sizes; large and small and each one has its own
use.
5. Al-Sheba:
It is a tool used by boat workers to hold the wood. It is an Arabic word and it
is mentioned in Lisan Al-Arab that Al-Shabus means overlapping tree thorns;
which is the same job done by Al-Shabaseh.
6. Al-Sakkineh:
It is a tool used for holding wood.
7. Al-Mitraqeh:
Al-Tarq means hitting, and Al-Mitraqeh (hammer) is used by blacksmith for hitting (1) .
Therefore Al-Mitraqeh is a tool used for hitting nails in the wood of the ship.
8. Al-Majdeh:
It is a tool used by boat workers in making holes (2) in the wood through the
arch so that it will be easy to place and hammer nails.
1. Lesan Al-Arab – Key word: Tarq
2. Lesan Al-Arab – Key word: Jadeh
56
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area
9. Al-Qoos:
It is a cylindrical rectangular shaped wood, with two ends tied with a light
string, and is used in operating the Al-Majdeh holes in the wood from which
boats are made (1) .
10. Al-Randeh:
It is Al-Fareh (iron jack plane) used in shaving woods.
11. Al-Handazeh (Al-Handaseh):
It is a metal piece of a triangular shape, with grading & marks (Akhnan) with a
hole from which hangs a light rope at the end of which is a heavy iron piece. It
is used to gauge the degree of deviation and as a balance of the boat.
12. Al-Khait (Duriya):
It is used to measure the length of woods necessary for building various parts
of the boat.
13. Al-Shakeh:
It is the chalk by which the Ustaz (boat builder) of the boat marks the woods
used in boat building.
14. Al-Maiber:
It is a large needle used in sewing the sails of the boat
15. Al-Balad
It is a block of lead with a rope tied to it containing marks for measuring water
depth (2) .
16. Boat Parts:
The above mentioned boat building tools are used in making various boat
parts that together form the external body of the boat, deck and inner parts.
They consist of the following:
• Firstly External Body of the Boat (3)
1. Bais of the Boat
It is the base and backbone of the boat. Al-Bais is an Arab word and Ibn Manzoor
said that it means toughness or something inevitable. It is the baseline from
which boat body is built and from it ribs extend. It is also known as Harrab; which
is a Persian word that means the draught of the boat or the submersible part.
1. Howarth, op cit., p.70
2. Al-Ballad was mentioned in the book of Ahmed bin Majid: Thalathet Azhar in Ma’arifat Al Behaar, p.102, edited
and published by New Door Chomonoski, translation & commentary of Dr. Mohammed Munir Musa, Aalam Al
Kutub, Cairo, 1969.
3. See Eisa Al-Qattami, ibid p.228 and on. Articles we made about boat builders whose names already mentioned,
and books of Ustaz Saif Al-Shamlan, and the Concise Kuwaiti Encyclopedia. Howarth, ibid, p.23
57
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area

Qalami
Qaffiah
Qaffiah
Qabqeb
Qayem
Qaffiah
Bandeereh
Farmal
Farmal
Kayaeh
Hawa
Yamaou
Qaffiah
Khunn
Jalibout
Aidar
Sekkan
Daqqal
Bais
Parts of Boat’s External Body
Qaffiah
Malek
Ja’ama
Al-Hudd
Qaffiah
Qaffiah
Qaffiah
Qababeeb
Al-Abd
Rayar
Qaffiah
Qaffiah
Kalb
Taj
Satoor
Farmal
Dustoor
Shareek
Al-Sades
Al-Saabeh
Al-Sades
Al-Khames
Al-Raaba’a
Al-Thaleth
2. Mail Sader
It relates to the boat’s front parts
3. Mail Tafer
The board of the stern
4. Al-Malek (Al-Malej)
A wooden board extending above the Bais of a boat
5. Al-Khudd
A wooden board next to Al-Malek directly
6. Al-Barmeel
It is placed above the Al-Mail to keep it in place
7. Al-Da’aoomeh
Placed on the head of Al-Bais near Mail Sader to protect it in case of collision
8. Al-Kamer
A thick wooden board placed in the middle of the boat’s body to bind it together
9. Al-Qaitan
A wooden board above Al-Kaher encircling the boat’s body
10. Al-Manthareh
A wooden board between Al-Qaitan & Al-Kamer
11. Al-Tareek (Al-Tareej)
The last board in the body placed at the edges of a boat
12. Al-Zabdreh
A wooden board placed at both sides of Fannat Al-Naqer
13. Al-Hejab
The upper part of the stern of the boat
14. Al-Aalia
The upper part of the bow of the boat
15. Al-Jald
The lower part of the stern or bow of the boat
58 Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area
59
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area

16. Al-Qayem
A perpendicular board at the stern of a boat.
17. Al-Kalb
A wooden rib at the bow of a boat.
18. Al-Khaiseh & Al-Taaradeh
Prominent wooden ribs at the stern used for tying the boat’s flag, sail lines,
and supporters of the small and large Farman.
19. Al-Satoor
A prominent wooden piece at the bow, also known as Al-Aanafeh.
20. Al-Falki
Safety barrier located at the stern.
• Secondly: Internal Parts & Deck of the Boat (1)
1. Sawr Al-Daqal
They are the center point upon which the large Daqal rests.
2. Al-Sawari
A bundle of perpendicular woods of various sizes extending from the bow to
the stern to lift the boards of the deck.
3. Al-Mashaiyat
An opening in which the mast is fixed and also used in entering various commodities.
4. Al-Obaidar
A permanent wooden pulley used to lift the sail.
5. Deck’s Boards
Wooden boards forming the deck of a boat.
6. Al-Fakh
Internal belt of the boat, located in the middle area.
7. Sawer & Boards of Al-Neem
Located at the stern and made as a store of supplies, known as Al-Daboosa.
1. Al-Qattami, ibid, p.31, Interviews we made with boat builders whose names already mentioned, and books of
Ustaz Saif Marzook Al-Sha’alan, and the Concise Kuwaiti Encyclopedia.
60
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area
8. Kashteel Sader
A place at the bow to protect the front of the boat from waves by means of Al-
Mazareeb affixed therein.
9. Hejab (Hiab)
It is a front wooden board located above Kashteel Sader to prevent water leakage.
10. Jali
A cover used to cover the nozzle of the boat’s chamber (Al-Jamereh) such as Jali
Makina and Jali Sader.
11. Shalman
Plural is Shalameen. They are wooden ribs upon which the external boards of
the boat are based.
12. Atfa
They are curved wooden ribs taking the shape of boat’s ribs and supporting them.
13. Karweh
They are wooden ribs in the shape of angles fixed at the front of the boat.
14. Hezam
The plural is Huzum. They are thick wooden boards of a rectangular shape
extending throughout the length of the boat to support it.
15. Fils
It is the wooden base upon which the boat’s Daqal is based.
16. Al-Ghol
They are wooden blocks supporting the Fils and hold up Al-Naash.
17. Jalankeh
They are wooden ribs to stabilize the boat’s body.
18. Aqrab
They are wooden ribs linking the left & right Anaj similar to boat belts.
19. Al-Reqa’a
It is the stern with parts called Al-Reel, Al-Anaafeh, Wardeh, Al-Mail Al-Tafri,
Taraf Al-Bais, Al-Thania, and Al-Manhaz.
20. Al-Maqaz
A small opening at the right side of the boat to discharge water from the inside
and is closed with a Ajajeh wood.
61
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area

21. Al-Sikkan (Rudder)
It is used in changing the course and reducing the speed of a boat. It consists
of: Raqabet Al-Sikkan, the steering wheel, Al-Waside, Al-Gardeh, Al-Teslameh,
Al-Muliah, Narrath Al-Sikkan, Al-Qafaniah, and Al-Maddeh.
22. Al-Kaneh
A wooden piece vertically fixed in Al-Sikkhan (rudder).
23. Al-Hatbat Al-Aalem
It is the mast on which the boat’s flag is raised.
24. Al-Daqal
It is the boat’s mast. It is stated in Lesan Al-Arab (1) in the definition of Al-Daqal
and Al-Doqal: A long wood fixed in the middle of the boat upon which the sail
is extended. The boat has more than one Daqal. There is Al-Daqal Al-Aud (main
mast) and Al-Daqal Al-Qalami (small mast). The boat’s Daqal is iconic shaped
and its base rests on the lower part of the boat known as Al-Lesan or Al-Musht
on the Fils of the boat at the location of Al-Daqal (2) . Al-Musht is above the
broad side of the base known as Al-Seej, and the upper part of Al-Daqal is
known as Al-Salat located above the Qab of the sail. Near to the south of Al-
Qab there is Al-Ranq; which is a paint for the upper part of Al-Daqal so as to
facilitate identifying the extent to which the sail should be lifted.
25. Al-Abd
It is a wooden rib used to support Al-Daqal and tying it with a rope (Lazyar).
26. Drinking WaterTanks (Tanaki)
The Fanatees (water tanks) are filled with drinking water for sailors during
their voyages and various tasks.
27. Al-Mirsah
Ibn Manzoor (3) defines Al-Mirsah as: The anchor for docking the boat. It is a
huge anchor tied with ropes and released in water to hold the boat motionless.
The anchor consists of a long metal bar of different sizes known as Al-Karrab
and the crescent shaped anchor known as Al-Meej; which has a sharp edge
known as Al-Qafsheh (4) .
1. See Daqal.
2. John H.A. Jewell, Dhows at Mombasa, East African Pub. House Nairobi, p.27
3. Lesan Al-Arab, Key word: Rasa
4. Saif Al-Shamlan, ibid, V2, p.234
H.R.P. Dickson, The Arab of the Desert, a glimpse into badawinn life in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, George Allen &
Unwin. Ltd, London, p.482
62
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area
Al-Salah
Al-Qab
Ranq: A point
put here to
know the extent
of lifting the sail
Al-Seej
Al-Musht
Ropes
Al-Daqal (Al-Sari) : Mast
Al-Farman which holds the sail
Location of
Al-Abd
Parts of Boat’s External Body
Al-Fils
Location of
Al-Daqal
Al-Nabbash Izghaba Al-Nabbash
Al-Harth Al-Dustoor Al-Harth
From: Saif Marzook Al-Shamlan, History of Pearl Diving in Kuwait & Arabian Gulf, Volume II
63
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area

28. Al-Sin
It is a type of anchor made of solid rocks in a triangular shape and a pointed
end with a hole to hold a short iron chain known as Al-Karrab. A hole is also
made in the base to place Hadiat Al-Sin, which rises a little bit from the surface
in both directions such that it will hold the rocky seabed. Al-Karrab is tied with
a long tail known as Al-Kharrab extending 25 – 30 Baita or Hizma, each of them
measures 50 Ba’a (span of overstretched hands) i.e. 90 meters so as to hold
the boat when it reaches Al-Maghas (1) .
29. Al-Bawareh
It is a metal tool of different sizes & weights used as an anchor for the boat
in the bed of sandy & muddy seas. It consists of a metal bar linking the ring
where a rope called Al-Ataad is tied. Its arched head (Al-Hilp) is known as Al-
Meej, and it has two sharp edges known as Al-Qafsha. A rod called Al-Danqa is
placed in a perpendicular manner with Al-Saq near the ring, to hold Al-Saq by
means of Al-Qirdi (2) .
There are several types of Al-Bawareh, among them is Al-Muliah, which weighs
6 Hanader (300 kg), with a length of 7 up to 8 zura’a (arms). The length of its
Qafshats ranges from 4 to 5 arms, and its Dang from six to seven arms (3) .
30. Al-Mejdaf (Rowing Pedals)
It is a tool used to operate boats in case the sail was not in use. It consists of
a stem and a head. The stem is a long piece of wood and the part linking the
head is known as Al-Madaj, the central as Al-Sawar, and the last as Lezban. The
head has different shapes such as the heart, square, and rectangle depending
on the type of use. The rowing pedal of Al-Jalibout has a heart-shaped head.
Those used for diving boats have square heads and upright handle, whereas
fishing boats have rectangular-shaped rowing pedals (4) , and so on.
31. Boat Sail
Sails used by boats up a time not very long ago have a variety of names depending
on size and conditions of use; and the most famous types of which are (5) :
a) The Large Sail
It is the biggest sail and used in the normal climatic conditions where the wind
is blowing reasonably.
b) The Medium Sail
It is a middle sail between the Large Sail and Al-Tarkeet Sail, and is used when
the wind increases.
1. Saif Al-Shamlan, ibid, V2, p236-243
2. ibid, V2, p.241 and on
3. Past Memories, a radio program, prepared by Mohammed Habib, Series 98
4. Hamad Mohammed Al-Saaidan, Concise Kuwaiti Encyclopedia, V3, p.1341
5. Saif Al-Shamlan, ibid, V2, p445
64
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area
Al-Karrab
Al-Halaqa
Hadeedat Al-San
Al-San
Anchor
65
Al-Saq
Al-Qafsha
Al-Meej
From: Saif Marzook Al-Shamlan, History of Pearl Diving in Kuwait & Arabian Gulf, Volume II
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area

Al-Saf
Al-Gurdi
Al-Halaqeh
Al-Dharrab
Al-Ghadoof
Al-Gurdi
Al-Gharbiah
Al-Bowreh
Madjeej
Al-Maidaf
Al-Qafsha
Al-Danqa
Al-Saq
Al-Qafsha
Al-Sawar
Al-Maidaf (Large Boats)
AlMadjeej
Al-Sawar
Al-Maidaf (Small Boats)
Lazaban
Lazaban
Al-Meej
Al-Meej
From: Saif Marzook Al-Shamlan, History of Pearl Diving in Kuwait & Arabian Gulf, Volume II
c) The Sail (Al-Qalami)
It is a sail of a size smaller than Al-Tarkeet Sail and is lifted if the wind blew
heavily.
d) The Sail (Al-Jibe)
It is smaller than the Al-Qalami Sail and is lifted by sailors if the wind is extremely
heavy. There are also other small sails which have different uses such
as side sails, like the Al-Koshi sail, Al-Maraba’a, and Al-Bumiah. Sometimes
sailors opt not to lift any of these sails and settle for air & wave thrust.
32. Parts of the Sail
The Sail consists of multiple parts as stated below (1) :
a) Al-Farman
It is a long wooden piece holding the sail with a slight curve in the middle
when touching Al-Daqal at a point known as Izghubeh.
b) Al-Nabbash
It is a light & long wood fixed to Al-Farman and used in lifting the main mast.
c) Al-Dastoor
It is a wood located between the front of the boat and Al-Daqal. It forms the
base upon which the sail is based and tied. Both sides of Al-Dastoor are known
as Al-Harth.
d) Al-Thafreh
It is the front side of the sail.
e) Al-Shuqqeh
It is a piece of the sail’s cloth.
f) Al-Damen
It is the rope of the sail and also known as Al-Karr.
g) Al-Daroor
They are the short ropes tying the upper and lower Daisi of the sail with Al-
Farman.
1. ibid, p. 446
66 Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area
67 Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area

Darakat Al-Yoush
Thick Rope
Nafas Al-Yoush
Al-Dahmeh
Al-Yoush
Munafa’a
Darakat Al-Yoush Thick Rope
Darakat Al-Jebe
Munafa’a
Batn Al-Jibe
Al-Dasi
Munafa’a
Batn Al-Jibe
Upper Dasi
Parts of the Sail
Al-Dome
Batn Al-Shura’a
Al-Hadri
Darakat
Al-Khamari
Thick Rope
Shuqqeh
Al-Shafrah
Darakat
Al-Damen
Al-Damen Rope
Shuqqeh
Al-Dasi
Darakat
Al-Damen
Shuqqeh
Al-Shafreh
Thick Rope
Al-Damen
Rope
From: Saif Marzook Al-Shamlan, History of Pearl Diving in Kuwait & Arabian Gulf, Volume II
h) Al-Josh (Al-Yoush)
The back of the sail tied with the Darakat Al-Josh
i) Al-Mukh
It is the rope placed inside the sail to strengthen it.
j) Naqa’a of the Boat
Boat building is linked with the availability of several Naqa’as, which were until
recently, extending along the coast of Kuwait.
Ibn Manzoor (1) says: Al-Naqa’a is a water coral, refined / accumulated water.
Al-Naqiee is a well with plenty of water. The word refers to the availability of Al-
Naqa’a at that time in Kuwait. They were small dock bays engulfed by marine
rocks to break waves. They were built by Kuwaitis and were attributed to those
responsible for them and their maintenance.
Different sources (2) list the names of those Naqa’as extending from the Qubleh
to Sharq as follows:
– Naqa’a of Ahmed Abdul Mohsin Al-Kharafi
1. Lesan Al-Arab – Key word: Naqa’a
2. Saif Al-Shamlan, ibid, V1, PP231-235, Kuwaiti Folkore, V1, Kuwait 1978, p47 and the following pages.
68 Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area
69 Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area

Al-Dingiah
Al-Boum
Al-Ghanja Al-Raghla
Al-kuteti
Al-Shunee
70
Al-Sanbook
Different types of Sikkan (Al-Shindeh)
Al-Harir Boat
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area
Al-Bateel
Zarooq
East African Boat
Different types of Sikkan (Al-Annafeh)
71
Al-Baqqareh
Za’aeema
Al-Badan
Za’aeema
A type of Balam in Shutt Al-Arab
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area

Draught Line
72
Body Plan
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area
Lower Deck
Base Length
Sheer Plan
Half Plan
Al-Neem Upper Deck Al-Kashteel
Upper Deck
Al-Boum Deck
73
Draught Line
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area

74
Half Plan
Sheer Plan
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area
75
Body Plan
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area

A Selection
of Angique
Photos

78
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area
79
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area

80
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area
81
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area

82
Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area
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Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area

Heritage Harvest is Crucial to the Welfare of
our Generations
Thank God, and thanks to the efforts of our true compatriots,
as well as the employees of RTA Marine Agency, this publication
could be compiled with a view to document and preserve
our maritime heritage from oblivion & extinction. We are now
able to have it presented in a fashionable shape to our current
and future generations so as to strengthen their sense of belonging
to this land, and deepen their pride of ancestors, who
excelled in boat-building, sea-surfing, and pearl-diving.
The intention of compiling this book was to list and document
terminologies that were prevailing & circulating among our
ancestors in boat-building industry. The book narrates various
names & designations of components, materials and all particulars
containing rich heritage expressions that ought to be
highlighted, defined and sustained by our community.
While compiling this work, we have been privileged to meet
a handful of elderly UAE boat builders, who made substantial
contribution to this industry and boast extensive knowledge in
this field. They assisted us in listing and documenting jargons
and language spoken in those decades, and their rich knowledge
& experience helped developing our marine heritage up
to the admirable current standards.
Engineer Mohammed Ali Al-Bastaki
Design Manager
Marine Projects Dep’t
Marine Agency
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Sailing boats in the Arabian Gulf Area