Emiratis capture the glory of dhows using their iPhones

Dubai - The world's largest wooden dhow was built in 2015 and is measured to be at 85metres long and 12 metres wide.

Dhow boats, an important part of the UAE's heritage, should be visually kept alive through photography. This was the message of two Emirati photographers who captured traditional and modern dhows using only their iPhone 7 Plus mobiles.
The UAE was famous as a maritime hub before the country discovered oil. Dhows were used for pearl diving, fishing and trading, which was the main source of income for the locals; the vessels thus made up the foundation of the UAE economy.
The photographers, Abdullah Al Buqaish and Ahmad Al Rais, captured the essence of the UAE heritage and culture by photographing these dhows.

Abdullah Al Buquish's photo of a dhow under construction shows how the dhow makers work with limited resources (left), Al Buquish's capture of this dhow maker in the midst of his work, using an iPhone 7 Plus (right). - Supplied photos
Abdullah Al Buquish photographed the sailing vessels at the Al Jadaf boatyard, exploring the story of Majid Obaid Al Falasi and his father, an Emirati family known for boatbuilding and constructing the world's biggest dhow. "I always aim to capture shots that serve a purpose. The best photos are ones that make you feel an emotional connection or remind you of your local roots," he said.
"During my visit to the Obaid bin Juma bin Suloom Establishment, I was inspired by the commitment they have to reviving the dhow traditions. By continuing to handcraft these dhows, including the 'soon to be' the world's largest dhow, they are transporting our legacy not only into the Guinness Book of Records, but into the minds of the new generation."
Al Falasi said: "We can't talk about the country's rich history without highlighting the dhow. Our ancestors worked really hard and created this industry from nothing. So much so that they actually worked with limited resources and had to import wood from other countries. My father, Obaid Juma Al Falasi, was amongst the first to see the potential in this industry and break new ground. This is his legacy."
The world's largest wooden dhow was built in 2015 and is measured to be at 85metres long and 12 metres wide.
Meanwhile, Al Rais wanted to tell the story of the modern day dhow. He met with the Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) to cover the 60ft Dubai Traditional Dhow Sailing Race. The Club was founded in 1988 and has played an essential role in organising and evolving local races.
"It's important to keep the heritage alive because in the future, you can look back and see all of the hard work we did. Knowing your past helps you with your future. I try to show my country as much as possible. There's a beautiful history behind everything. There are a lot of hidden gems in the country. People can go on the dhows and learn about our history."
sarwat@khaleejtimes.com
 
 

• UAE