‘Gulf Titanic’ fascinates visitors of Eastern Coast Festival

The Eastern Coast Festival for Maritime Heritage, which is currently taking place at Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Park in Dammam waterfront, has attracted over 130,000 visitors since its opening last Wednesday.
Manie Al-Manie, festival director said visitors have flocked in from across the Kingdom to purchase and encourage the diverse handicrafts showcased at the festival. More than 50 pavilions are on display, including popular Arabic cuisine and various products such as embroidery, heritage clothing, wickerwork and aromatic commodities. A photo gallery illustrating the local maritime legacy will also accompany the festival.
The festival also highlights the importance of the sanbouk industry, which is one of the most prominent aspects of the Eastern Province’s maritime heritage. Before the advent of oil, some maritime specialists dubbed the sanbouk as the ‘Gulf Titanic’, due to the significant role it played in fishing and pearl hunting.
“I’m building a small sanbouk, because it reminds me of the beautiful past that symbolizes the civilization built by our fathers and grandfathers on the coast of the Arabian Peninsula,” said Haj Abdullah. The sanbouk is a traditional, medium-sized wooden sailing boat that was widespread in the Gulf region and used for diving, fishing, traveling and pearl hunting.