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Santhosh Chandran
Doha
In an effort to preserve the heritage and tradition of dhow-making, a school dedicated to providing formal training for the same is being planned.
The proposed institute, which will raise awareness of the long tradition of dhow-making, will be one of several initiatives taken by the government in this regard.
Speaking to Qatar Tribune on the sidelines of Agriteq, the fifth International exhibition of agriculture, Head of Administration of Private Engineering at dhow workshop Hamad Juma al Sulaiti said,"A large number of delegates visit our dhow-making yard. Currently, we are offering informal training on assembling dhow with components manufactured at the workshop. An institute for providing training on dhow-making is being planned and will open in association with one of the professional institutes."
The dhow workshop, which is the only one of its kind in the country, builds more than 5,000 dhows every year. Of the total, over 3,000 are exhibit pieces and two traditional sailing vessels. The traditional sailing vessels cost about QR2 million.
"Dhow-making is a significant part of Qatar's heritage. The government has taken many initiatives such as providing free land for dhow manufacturing unit and raw materials, particularly wood, at a special price," Sulaiti said.
An institution with expert trainers from different parts of the world is expected to make Doha, a hub of dhow making in this region.
An artisan at the workshop said,"Even though ship making has reached new heights with advanced engineering skills, traditional dhow making is still like a miracle for modern engineering. As a tradition, it has to be promoted and trained."
The pavilion of dhows, which includes live workshop of dhow making and display of different category of dhows like Sambuk and Shu'ai', is the most visited place at the exhibition.
