The triangular sail of a dhow is called a lateen sail. Unlike square sails that can only go where the wind blows, a lateen sail can be angled to catch the wind from the side, allowing the boat to sail in almost any direction. This made dhows incredibly versatile — Kuwaiti sailors could navigate across the Indian Ocean and back, following the seasonal monsoon winds, long before GPS or modern navigation tools existed.
Building a dhow by hand is an art in itself. Traditional dhow builders — called naqqash — use types of hardwood that resist saltwater, joined with wooden pegs and sealed with a paste called caulk. No two dhows are exactly the same because each is shaped by the individual builder's skill and the natural variations of the wood. A well-built dhow can last for many decades.
The crew of a dhow worked extremely closely together. There was no engine — every move depended on reading the wind and sea correctly, adjusting the sails at exactly the right moment, and trusting the other members of the crew to do their part. Kuwaiti sailors were famous across the Indian Ocean for their skill and their knowledge of the sea's moods and currents.
Today, dhow racing is a popular sport in Kuwait. Traditional-style boats race across Kuwait Bay in events that attract large crowds of spectators. The Kuwait Sailing and Rowing Federation organises regular competitions, and young Kuwaitis are encouraged to learn to sail as a way of connecting with their maritime heritage. Seeing the white sails of racing dhows against the blue water of the bay is one of the great sights of Kuwait.