Ghanjah

Place of Origin : Sur, Oman

The Ghanjah is the most celebrated vessel in Sur's maritime history and serves as the official emblem of the city, symbolising Oman's legacy as a premier seafaring nation. Historically used for long-distance trade between the Arabian Peninsula and the Indian subcontinent, this massive wooden dhow is recognised by its elegantly curved prow topped with a characteristic trefoil carving and an ornately decorated transom stern reminiscent of 18th-century European galleons. Typically rigged with two masts and large lateen sails, the Ghanjah represents the pinnacle of Omani craftsmanship, with the famous Fatah Al Khair—now preserved at the Sur Maritime Museum—standing as the final surviving example of this once-dominant ocean-going giant.

Sur has served as a global center for dhow shipbuilding for over a thousand years, flourishing particularly since the 16th century when it became a vital maritime hub connecting Arabia to East Africa, India, and China. These hand-crafted wooden vessels were the backbone of Oman’s maritime empire, carrying valuable goods such as spices, textiles, dates, and pearls across the Indian Ocean. The city's maritime legacy is so deep-seated that it is often linked to the legendary Sinbad the Sailor, and its master shipbuilders are still renowned for constructing sturdy vessels like the Ghanjah and Baghlah.

Culturally, the art of dhow building in Sur is a "living museum" where ancient techniques are preserved through oral tradition rather than blueprints or formal schematics. Artisans rely on knowledge passed down through generations to shape hulls from imported teak and local timber, historically using a "sewn" method where planks were lashed together with coconut-fiber rope before iron nails became common. This craftsmanship remains a source of immense national pride, with the Omani government and local families continuing to support the last remaining shipyards to ensure the skills do not vanish in the face of modern fiberglass alternatives.

Today, while the role of dhows has shifted from dominant trade carriers to symbols of heritage, they remain central to Omani cultural identity and the local tourism industry. Visitors to Sur can explore the Maritime Museum, which houses the Fatah Al Khair, a preserved 1951 dhow that epitomizes the city's naval prowess. Traditional dhows are still commissioned by regional leaders and are a staple of cultural festivals, while modern versions continue to navigate Omani waters for luxury cruises, fishing, and coastal transport, effectively bridging the gap between Oman's seafaring past and its modern economic life.