Mohammed Abdullah Al Hammadi
In the past, fishing and pearl oyster diving were the primary sources of income for most coastal communities. These activities were carried out aboard traditional wooden sailing vessels that set out during specific seasons, guided by prevailing winds and sea currents.
The smallest of these boats was the Banoosh, which accommodated up to four people and was used for short-distance fishing trips. The Sanbook was slightly larger, carrying around ten people, and was commonly used for nearshore pearl diving.
For the long pearl-diving expeditions known as Ghaws Al Oud, which lasted up to four months, divers relied on the Sama‘ah, a larger vessel capable of carrying fifty people or more.
Among the largest traditional vessels was the Boom, which was used for long-distance voyages and trade with India, East Africa, and other destinations across the region.
