Dhow

A dhow is a traditional sailing vessel, typically with one or more lateen sails, used in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean. These ships have been plying the waters for centuries, facilitating trade between East Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Indian subcontinent. The design, with its characteristic triangular sails, is ideally suited for harnessing monsoon winds, allowing for efficient and reliable navigation over long distances. Their historical importance stems from their role in the spice trade, pearl diving, and the transportation of goods and people, shaping cultural and economic exchange throughout the region. These are usually made of wood with large, broad beams, and usually carry a crew of up to 30.

Dhow meaning with examples

• The intrepid merchants loaded their dhow with fragrant spices and silks, preparing for a perilous voyage across the Arabian Sea, hoping to bring rich pickings home.
• Local fishermen still rely on traditional dhows to navigate the coastal waters, their lateen sails billowing in the morning breeze as they search for the daily catch.
• The annual dhow race in Zanzibar is a vibrant spectacle, celebrating the maritime heritage of the region with these beautiful sailing ships.
• Archaeological discoveries suggest the design of dhows, particularly those in the Arabian Sea, can be traced back to the first millennium.