Dhow, also spelled Dow, one- or two-masted Arab sailing vessel, usually with lateen

rigging (slanting, triangular sails), common in the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. On the larger types, called baggalas and booms, the mainsail is considerably bigger than the mizzensail.

What is the Arab dhow used for?

Typically sporting long thin hulls, dhows were trading vessels primarily used to carry heavy items, like fruit, fresh water or merchandise, along the coasts of the Arab countries, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and East Africa.

Who uses Arab dhows?

Historians speculate that the dhow was either invented by Arabs or Indians and they were originally fishing or trading vessels used mostly to carry items such as fruit, fresh water or other goods, along the coasts of the Arab countries, as well as Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and East Africa.