Crossword Genius

Sailor is shown in seascapes etc as one familiar with hot regions? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

arabist

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'seascapes etc as one familiar with hot regions?' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'sailor is shown in' is the wordplay.
'sailor' becomes 'ab' (abbreviation for able seaman).
'shown' becomes 'art' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'ab'+'is'='abis'
'abis' put into 'art' is 'ARABIST'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for arabist that I've seen before include "One studying a Middle East culture" , "Middle East scholar" , "Specialist in Middle Eastern affairs" , "Middle East adviser" , "Middle East expert" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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