Qatar launches ambitious refurbishment project of dhow boats

In its first phase, the programme will see 40 licenced dhows being restored and the onboard experience upgraded while retaining the authentic traditional exterior

Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) Wednesday has initiated a large-scale project to refurbish a fleet of over 40 dhow boats, as it continues to improve amenities and activities for residents and visitors. The dhow boat refurbishment project is part of a strategic initiative for improving Service Excellence across Qatar’s tourism sector. Taking place in three phases, the project will include the refurbishment of the dhows, modernisation of marinas and jetties, as well as health and safety training for crew members and captains. In its first phase, the programme will see 40 licenced dhows being restored and the onboard experience upgraded while retaining the authentic traditional exterior. Once complete, each dhow will be more environmentally friendly, with solar energy replacing diesel fuel and LED lights installed to improve efficency. Dhows will also be equipped with amenities to maximise passenger safety and comfort. The dhow refurbishment project is part of a wider Service Excellence programme to improve the customer experience across all touchpoints, including infrastructure development.  Through a host of initiatives, QNTC and its stakeholders across the public and private sectors will collaborate to create more products and improve services for both residents and visitors, allowing them to better experience Qatar’s varied offerings. Secretary General of Qatar National Tourism Council and Group Chief Executive of Qatar Airways,HE Akbar Al Baker, said: “The refurbishment of the dhow boats is vital for providing visitors with the unique opportunity to experience an important part of Qatar’s heritage and culture. While the dhows no longer serve as vessels to fish and dive for pearls, we look forward to them returning to the water for all to enjoy.” Director of Tourism Licensing, Tourism Development Sector, Mohammad Al Ansari, who is overseeing the restoration project, commented: “We are taking every measure to ensure that each dhow is carefully refurbished to a standard befitting their importance to our culture. Dhows are a wonderful asset to Qatar and once the project is complete, they will provide guests with yet another enjoyable way to experience Doha from the water.” The subsequent phases of the restoration project will improve facilities and training. The second phase will see the modernisation of marinas and jetties to improve the boarding experience with comfortable waiting rooms and new ticket offices. The third and final phase will provide full training and certification for the crews running the dhows, who oversee the daily maintenance of the marina sites and kiosks. Refurbishing the dhows is one of the many tourism development projects overseen by QNTC to build a sustainable tourism sector. In line with the Qatar National Vision 2030, QNTC acts as the steward of the tourism sector, encouraging partners to develop products and services and diversifying the country’s economy. The Dhow boat restoration project will be completed by October 2021. More details can be had from www.visitqatar.qa/en/things-to-do/adventures/the-water