The traditional wooden boats or dhows of the Gulf can be seen along the Doha Corniche, in the fishing harbors’ of Al Wakra and Al Khor. The word “dhow” is derived from the Swahili word “dau”, meaning fishing boat.

Designs vary according to the use of the boat and each has an Arabic name. The fishing boats usually leave harbor loaded with domed traps called Gargoor, which are lowered to the seabed overnight. Originally made from palm ribs, they are now formed from galvanized pipe and netting.

You can watch them being made, and the nets being mended, on the harbour quays. Low walls of limestone in the shallow waters (particularly) obvious around Al Wakra and Qatar’s northern shores) are inter-tidal fishing traps, like mazes, called maskar.

Local tour companies organize private trips on large dhows, where you and your friends can enjoy a barbecue, listen to music, go swimming or fishing. For more serious fishing, hire a small boat by the day or half-day from any of the major hotels or tour companies.