Local Dhows on stamps - an issue from 1976

One of Eastern Arabia's greatest limitations was the lack of wood from building materials. Dhows in particular requiring plenty and the larger ones requiring large strong beams. The best wood for ship building was the Indian Teak from the Malabar Coast, in the southwest of India. Generally with the import of the wood, skilled labourers - carpenters - and their tools would be imported as well. The larger Dhows, requiring pieces too large and so would be commissioned from boatyards on the Malabar Coast.

The Dhow was the main transport of goods throughout the Persian Gulf as well as a source of food (fishing) and valuables (pearls). The Dhows evolved to the requirements of each of these tasks, and as can be seen from the image below, a large number of designs and sizes soon grew.

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Types of Dhows used in Qatar;

The following text is as per the Qatar National Heritage Museum:

Huri
The huri was a small vessel, mainly used for short journeys and fishing expeditions.
These simple vessels were made from hollowed-out tree trunks.
This type of boat has been used in the Arabian Gulf and Indian Ocean regions for thousands of years.

Battil
The battle was usually used for pearling expeditions, but could also be used for fishing, trading and in battle.
It has shallow draft (the distance from the waterline to the lowest point of the dhow), meaning that it could sail safely in the shallow waters around pearl beds.
This type of dhow is light, fast and versatile.

Sanbuk
This type of dhow was used for pearling, fishing and trading expeditions.
It has a shallow draft allowing if to safely sail around the shallow waters around the coast of the Arabian Gulf.
The sank has a short keel (the bottom part of the dhow) making it easily manoeuvrable.

Shu’i
This type of show was usually used for pearl diving.
It is a medium sized dhow, usually 7-12 meters n length.
The shut is characterised by its upward curved stempost (the vertical post at the front of the dhow).

Boum
The boom has a pointed stern (the back part of the dhow) which allows it to travel quickly.
Large types of boom could carry large cargoes and travel long distances. Smaller types were used for pearling expeditions.
This dhow usually has two masts, although the largest types have three masts.

Abu Buz
A large dhow used for carrying cargo.
Abu bus is easily manoeuvrable and could sail in shallow waters.

Jalbut
The jalbut is known for its speed and versatility, and was used for pearling and fishing expeditions and other short journeys.
Some say the name is derived from the English term jolly boat, which were small vessels used by the British Royal Navy.
This type of dhow is distinguished by its square stern.

Baqqarah
The baqqarah was originally used to carry cargo on trading voyages.
Smaller versions were used for pearling and fishing expeditions.
It has two masts.

Baghalah
A deep-sea vessel capable of carrying large cargoes and travelling long distances.
The baghlah was used for trading expeditions throughout the Gulf and as far afield as India.
This dhow is distinguished by its wide stern, decorations and large capacity.

Shasha
Made from the spines of date-palm leaves, takes around two days to make one.