The dhow (word of Swahili origin) is the traditional Qatari wooden boat. Once used for pearl diving, fishing and transporting goods around the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Sea and beyond, dhows are now mainly used for tourism. They ply Doha Bay for dinner cruises and rides off West Bay. Moored in large numbers along the Corniche, Al Khor and Al Wakra, they offer quick 30-minute round trips to the Doha skyline during both day and night, as well as longer two-hour trips to The Pearl artificial archipelago.