Dhow is a long, flat sailing vessel that is lateen-rigged and found in the Indian Ocean along the east coast of Africa, the Arabian peninsula, Pakistan, and India.

In Dubai, on the shores of the creek, one can still see dhows loading cargo for destinations in Africa, Iran, Pakistan and India much as they did several hundred years ago.

A larger dhow may have a crew of approximately thirty while smaller dhow have crews typically ranging around twelve.

For celestial navigation, dhow sailors have traditionally used the kamal. This observation device determines latitude by finding the angle of the Pole Star above the horizon.

There are four types of dhow:-
    1. Ghanjah - a large vessel with a curved stem and a sloping, ornately carved transom.
    2. Baghlah - the traditional deep-sea dhow
    3. Battil - featured long stems topped by large, club-shaped stem heads
    4. Badan - a smaller vessel requiring a shallow draught

The Creek reveals a different aspect of Dubai. The antique shapes of the wooden dhows lining the creekside quays are vivid reminders of the long sea-going tradition of this ancient Arabian port.

The city offers superb facilities for sport and recreation, from golf and water sports to desert safaris and dhow cruises. Or simply the opportunity to relax and enjoy year-round sunshine on clean, uncrowded beaches. A reminder of days when sea trading and pearling were the mainstays of the economy.

Boat racing has cultural and historical significance in Dubai with its roots in dhow racing, which still takes place today, especially on government holidays such as the UAE National Day on December 2. It is considered as one of the most spectacular and graceful of sports, the traditional dhow sailing witnesses more than 80 traditional boats take to the clear blue waters surrounding the DIMC in precisely the same manner as it was done in the ancient past. Adhering to age-old tradition, the hulls are varnished teak wood with billowing white sails made from canvas. The three different racing categories here include 60ft, 43ft and 22ft.

Participate in the Dhow racing which takes place throughout the winter months and well into the summer. Racing usually takes place off the coast of Mina Seyahi from 2 pm on a Thursday or Friday.