In Sur, Sultanate of Oman, with Hmood al Ghilani and Ahmed Al-Siyabi. September 2015

Sur (Arabic: صور‎) is a capital city of Ash Sharqiyah Region, northeastern Oman, on the coast of the Gulf of Oman. It is located at around 93 miles (150 km) southeast of the Omani capital Muscat. Historically the city is known for being an important destination point for sailors and for ship building activities. Today traditional ship building still plays an important part of life in Sur.


 Many ships have been built in Sur, like the sambuk and ghanjah. They formerly went as far as China, India, Zanzibar, Iraq and many other countries. These vessels were also used in pearl fishing.Today the city has retained its reputation as a major dhow-building town, the very same vessels that were used for trade two centuries previously. Hmood al Ghilani is one of the main world leading experts in Omani ship building traditions.
With Hmood al Ghilani. A memorable moment of Omani hospitality

Trying to make a new friend. Nevertheless this young camel lady was not in a good mood.

Hmood al Ghilani, Carlos Montalvão and Ahmed Al-Siyabi. Sur, Sultanate of Oman, September 2015.