Oman LNG bags top position in traditional boat race

The Department of Sports Affairs in South Al Sharqiyah Governorate organised the annual competition of traditional boats at Khor Al Bateh Beach in Sur. As many as six rowing boats participated in the event.

The race saw strong competition and Oman LNG team won the first place. Al Tali’ah team came in second, while the Gulf Captain team came in third.

The ceremony was held under the patronage of Abdullah bin Salem Al Mukhaini, Secretary of the Land Registry at the Ministry of Housing, and with financial support from Oman LNG.

The 3km race started from the coast of Khor Al Batah near the centre of Fateh Al Khair, starting from the fishing port of Tire to the end of Khor Al-Batah in Al-Jazira area, through the areas of Khor Al-Batah Bridge and Fateh Al-Khair Ship.

The traditional boat race was organised with an aim to revive the marine heritage of the Sultanate in general and the Sur state in particular. Sur is known for its coastal history and its strategic geographic location at the intersection of the Arabian Sea and the Sea of Oman, it has long been the centre of seafaring activities, which was one of the main uses of traditional boats back in the day.

Their unique wooden dhows that sport interesting designs and structures played a vital role in the history books of sea-trade industry in Oman.

These culturally-celebrated boats are a true example of craftsmanship, as it is made by hand in a laborious procedure that results in a beautiful creation made of imported teak wood, as well as locally obtained timber and cedar.

As the race works its way to revive the culture, Sur and its people will continues to cherish the art of boat-making and contribute in keeping the spirit of the traditional boats alive.