[Article] Jewel of Muscat arrives in Singapore.

Channels NewsAsia | 3 July 2010 | By Saifulbahri Ismail


The Jewel of Muscat has arrived in Singapore. A replica of a 9th century Arabian dhow, it is a gift from the Sultanate of Oman to the Government and people of Singapore.
After more than four months at sea, its journey has been described as a triumph of the human spirit.
The ship set sail from Oman and called at ports in India, Sri Lanka and Malaysia on its way to Singapore. When it finally docked at the Marina Keppel Bay on Saturday, the crew were greeted by Omani dancers, and Singapore's own welcoming party.
At the welcome ceremony, President S R Nathan congratulated the crew for their successful journey. The ship will be housed as a centrepiece of Resorts World Sentosa's upcoming attraction, the Maritime Xperiential Museum.
President Nathan said: "Being at the crossroads between east and West, Singapore is a fitting place for the Jewel to be based. "Historically, ships from Arab destinations stopped in Singapore or in ports nearby to await the change of the monsoons, before continuing their journey eastwards to China or the other way."
The 18-metre long ship was built using traditional materials. Not a single nail or screw was used, and the crew stayed as true as possible to ancient sailing methods.
Saleh Said Al Jbri, captain, Jewel of Muscat, said: "She sailed fast when she wished, and she is slow as well when she so likes. "But she was keen to reach Singapore, carrying noble meaning and values, and beautiful memories of her hometown Oman."
The Jewel of Muscat project will be remembered as a testament to the excellent ties between Singapore and Oman. - CNA/ms

More informations :

- Jewel of Muscat to be housed at RWS' Maritime Xperiential Museum | Channel News Asia | By S Ramesh | 1 July 2010

- Jewel Of Muscat To Become Centrepiece Of Sentosa Maritime Museum | Bernama | By Zakaria Abdul Wahab | 1 July 2010

Internet : The Jewel of Muscat.

The Sultanate of Oman and the Government of Singapore request for an interactive website about the building of a 9th-century sailing ship, the Jewel of Muscat. The site, created on march 2009, includes videos and photographs of the ship being built.

About this site:

This website has been launched by the governments of Oman and Singapore to cover the construction and voyage of a 9th-century Arab sailing ship.
A team of experts has built the Jewel of Muscat in a specially constructed shipyard on the beach in Qantab in Oman. They are using a range of historical sources, including archaeological findings from the 'Belitung Wreck', including the Tang Treasure, which was discovered in 1998 in Indonesia waters.
The ship has been constructed with the methods available to 9th-century Arab craftsmen. The planks have been sewn together using coconut fibre, and the square sails will be made of plaited palm leaves.
Once constructed, the ship is planning to embark on an historic journey from Oman to Singapore.

The website includes the following sections:
    * Videos of the Jewel of Muscat’s construction and voyage.
    * Map of the Jewel of Muscat’s possible route.
    * Timeline showing the stages of the project.
    * 3D sequence, allowing users to study the different sections of the ship.
    * Photo gallery.
    * Log section, where members of the project team post updates.
    * Background section, providing information on the project.
    * Archive section, with information about the ship’s construction.
    * Education section, with learning resources for students and teachers.
    * A zone where you can Ask a Question and Contact Us.
The graphic background of the website reflects the material being used for the ship’s sails.

The website has been designed and developed by the media company Inclusive Digital TV (www.inclusivedigital.tv).

Visit Jewel of Muscat.