A boatyard in Al Bateen
As we drove back through the open space we stopped again and asked James and living could direct us to the dhow shipyards. His answer should not of been a surprise as he told is that the Al Bateen dhow shipyards had closed over three years ago. Our companions asked what the boat was in the shed behind us. It was indeed a replica of Noah’s Ark. We then asked if it would be possible to get a closer look at the Ark.
We were asked to wait while he approached two gentleman in Arab dress who were sitting drinking coffee at the side of the cafe. Permission was given and we asked our driver to wait for us.
Our guide explained explained that his boss owned this boat yard and through the gates we would see some of his private collection of cars.
These included newly arrived ones including a Rolls-Royce and an old American car.
The replica Titanic
Once inside the boat shed we were surprised at just how big the Ark was. As we walked around the head of the dock we were surprised to see another replica, this time of the Titanic. Alongside the Ark was a landing craft that we were assured was used to ferry the owner’s cars around.
We all walk down the dock and stopped to admire the boat.
The next surprise was when our guide opened up the side of the Titanic replica and we were invited to step inside.
I was able to easily stand up and look around inside. Above me there was a platform that was inside the of the decks of the boat. This is where the boat could be guided looking through the first funnel.
Looking back towards the stern.
At the stern through a door we were shown two large outboard motors.
Our guide explained that the owners would take the boat out to show off the yard’s capabilities. Once off the boat I walked to end of the dock to see other boats moored just outside of the shed. This beautiful one looked very much like a dhow.
Noah’s Ark
Once off the Titanic we walked back around the boat shed again closer to the park. This was much bigger than it had appeared as we passed it in the taxi. This was another example of the boatyard’s work.
It was dark inside but we could see carvings of animals all around the deck on the walls.
We climbed up the wide steps in the middle of the boat and came outside onto the upper deck.
Walking around the deck was when we realised just how high up we were.
The Ark was not just for show and like the replica of the Titanic, the Ark was taken out by the owners to show off their skills.
We walked back out of the boat shed, past the old cars and outside into the open space. I went to the two gentlemen sitting still drinking my coffee and said our thanks for their permission to go into the boat yard. Our guide was busy explaining to the taxi driver how to find the car museum where all the cars were ultimately destined for.