DAHABEAH, an Arabic word for a passenger boat used by natives on the Nile. The typical form is that of a barge-like house-boat provided with sails, resembling the painted galleys represented on the tombs of the Pharaohs. Similar state barges were used by the Mohammedan rulers of Egypt, and to the cir cumstance that these vessels were ornamented with gilding is attributed the usual derivation of the name from gold. Before the introduction of steamers, dahabeahs were generally used by travellers ascending the Nile, and they are still the favourite mode of travelling for the leisured and wealthy classes. The modern dahabeah is often made of iron, draws about 2ft. of water, and is provided with one very large and one small sail. According to size it provides accommodation for from two to a dozen passengers. Steam dahabeahs are also built to meet the requirements of tourists.