(SIH) Institute Highlights Kalba’s Maritime Stories and Traditional Wooden Boatbuilding
The Sharjah Institute for Heritage organised a heritage lecture entitled “Boats in the Maritime Heritage of Kalba”, highlighting an authentic aspect of the city’s maritime memory and the traditional crafts, professions and expertise that coastal communities have passed down from one generation to the next.
The lecture featured Ali bin Juma bin Haider, Chairman of the Kalba Cooperative Society for Fishermen, and Ahmed Al Falasi, owner of Ahmed Obaid Al Falasi Wooden Boatbuilding Factory. The session was moderated by media professional Omar Ahmed, in the presence of a number of heritage enthusiasts and those interested in maritime heritage and traditional boatbuilding.
Boats: A Craft Shaped by the Memory of the Coast
Organised by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage – Kalba Branch at Al Jubail Market in Kalba, the session shed light on traditional wooden boats as an integral part of Kalba’s maritime heritage. It explored the stages of boatbuilding, the diversity of their uses, and their significance in the lives of coastal communities, while highlighting the skills and knowledge preserved through this traditional craft.
Ali bin Juma bin Haider discussed the origins and development of boatbuilding, highlighting its importance as a traditional craft closely intertwined with the lives of coastal communities, particularly in fishing, transportation and various maritime activities.
Stories of the Sea in Every Detail of the Wood
Ahmed Al Falasi shared insights from his experience in traditional wooden boatbuilding, recounting stories and experiences associated with the sea and boatbuilding. He also highlighted the specialised knowledge and practical skills embodied in this craft, reflecting the expertise of previous generations and their deep connection with the maritime environment.
The lecture underscored the importance of documenting and preserving this knowledge and expertise as an integral part of Kalba’s popular memory and cultural identity, as well as an important component of the UAE’s maritime heritage.
Honouring the Participants
At the conclusion of the event, Saleh Mohammed Al Ghamri, Director of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage – Kalba Branch, honoured the speakers in recognition of their participation and contribution to the success of the session. Their knowledge and experiences enriched the discussion and helped highlight an important aspect of Kalba’s maritime history and traditional boatbuilding heritage.