Dhows a big draw among visitors to boat show

 Locally built dhows berthed at Mourjan Marinas, Lusail, for the Qatar International Boat Show.

By Ramesh Mathew/Staff Reporter

A midst a number of luxury yachts that have arrived for the 2nd Qatar International Boat Show (QIBS) at the picturesque Mourjan Marinas in Lusail city, two dhows, designed and developed in the country at Al Mannai Marine boat yard are attracting considerable attention from visitors.

The dhows, one named Al Asmakh Group and the other unnamed so far are berthed close to the main walkway leading to the Eastern side of the Marina.

Local entrepreneur and yachting enthusiast Essa al-Mannai, who is also the founder of Al Mannai Marine introduced one of the two locally owned dhows to visitors a day before the event started.

“The Qatar International Boat Show is not just an event showing the nation’s interest in the marine industry but also showcases the country’s new interests and ambitions,” said al-Mannai, who is also the chairman of the show’s organising committee.

“QIBS has been supported by the Qatari government as well as established Qatari corporate brands to stage a truly world class show” he said.

With the successful hosting of the show for the second successive year, the Doha  event has become part of the international calendar of boat exhibitions.

The unnamed dhow built at Al Mannai’s Al Khor Shipyard has an array of features that make it unique.  The 33m dhow incorporates all the latest technology while retaining a traditional look and Qatari design.

Believed to be be the first luxury dhow with yacht specifications, the boat took nearly two years to build.

Al Mannai Marine boatyard, which recently shifted from Al Khor to Ruweis has six dhows under production.

The unnamed boat’s exterior is made of solid teak and the  interiors, consisting of five bed rooms were designed and made in Italy. Its interior fit-out cost QR 2mn, according to the builders.

Besides the crew quarters at the rear, the two engines at the back unlike in the middle as with traditional dhows, ensure low noise levels.