Today's Edition
RABI HAMAMSAH (ABU DHABI)
Maritime heritage constitutes an integral part of the United Arab Emirates' culture, mirroring the importance bestowed upon desert heritage. The tradition of building wooden boats and ships is still a craft where skilled sailors build their vessels the same way their ancestors did centuries ago, without the need for modern technology or equipment.
Traditionally, there are many types of ships and boats in the UAE and, according to Nakheel Magazine, an Emirati publication that specialises in local heritage, these vessels vary in size, capacity, and purpose. The type of the ship or boat is determined based on manufacturing goals and manufacturing location.
Ancient Emirati Ships
Among the famous types of ancient UAE ships is Jalibut, some books say that the word is derived from the name of the Portuguese boat "Jalbuta," while others say it originates from the name of the Dutch ship "Dali Boat."
The Andalusian traveller and geographer Ibn Jubayr said that he travelled on board a Jalibut ship in 1183.
The Jalibut ship, which was used for transporting passengers and fishing, is an Emirati-made vessel. The length of the ship ranges from 5 to 19 meters, with a height exceeding 3 metres.
As for the Abra, which is still used to transport passengers between the two banks of the creeks, it originated in the UAE. It measures approximately 6 meters in length, 2 meters in width, and its height does not exceed one meter.
There is also Al Shasha boat, crafted from palm trees and, despite its compact size, Al Shasha can carry several fishermen simultaneously and is used for fishing purposes.
Al Shahouf boat is also used for transportation and fishing, resembling boats like the Gharib and the Hoori. The difference lies in the frontside of the boat, as it measures between 5 and 13 metres in length, between 2 and 4 metres in width, and its height can reach up to 2 metres.
Traditional Emirati Shipbuilding Tools
The tools used in shipbuilding in the UAE are diverse. One of the most famous tools is Maniqar, which is used for tapping and cleaning wood. It consists of a piece of iron with one end bifurcated into two prongs, facilitating the insertion of threads between the timbers.
Another traditional tool is the Jadum, used by workers for carving wood, complementing the saw that is used for cutting wood. The Jadum comes in various sizes tailored to its specific purpose.
The shipbuilder, referred to as a "Ghalaf" in the UAE, uses the Shaba as a tool to secure the wood in place. Additionally, the Bow, a rectangular cylindrical piece of wood with a thin string attached to both ends, is used in conjunction with the Shaba to pierce the timber.
The Ghalaf also utilises a Handazah, a triangular piece of metal with graduated markings and a hole from which a thin rope hangs, with a small iron weight at the end of the rope. This tool is used to adjust the degree of inclination and the balance of the ship.
