Doha’s Boat People Saturday, 31 July 2010 00:49

by Qassim Rahmatullah

Dhow cruising along the Corniche is one of the more fascinating experiences on a warm summer night for people to unwind after a day’s work. For QR15 one can get a feel of the tranquil Qatari waters aboard the traditional Arabian boat decked up with colourful lights. Music played while on sail adds up to the appeal of the brief but exciting journey to the sea. Dozens of dhows start plying in the evening when more people visit the seven-kilometre stretch and temperature is tolerable. The dhows can accommodate from 20 to 40 passengers at a time.

The dhows docked at the seafront also take the more adventurous for a leisure trip to the little known but stunning Banana Island a few kilometers away from the city. A trip to the island requires permission from authorities which dhow operators say they can arrange for a minimal fee.