Commercial Fishing
Because the United Arab Emirates has coasts along both the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean, commercial fishing has for centuries been an important part of the lives of the Arabs who lived on the coasts. Traditionally, wooden fishing boats called sambuk, wooden boats with a mast for a sail, were used, but now more conventional diesel-powered craft are employed. Techniques for catching the fish historically included nets and special cages made from palm fronds. Nowadays, however, nets are almost universally used. The men still take to the sea to catch fish, and the women sort and sell the fish. In the late afternoon, visitors can watch the fishermen bring in the catch in ports along the coast. There are about 300 varieties of fish in the waters off the United Arab Emirates, and fish is a food staple along the coast. (Inland, camel and goat meat are staples). Popular types of fish available...
