Black Gold and Incense

Following a period of unrest resulting from World War II. The first Western geologists arrived at the Arabian Peninsula to find a community that has barely changed over time.

Among the Bedouin traditions was the ceremonial firing of shotguns in the air to greet visitors,

which was important for geologists to be aware of before entering their lands.

Sharjah was the headquarters of the representative of the British government, known as the ‘Political Agent’ at the time.

It remained a commercial center until it became filled with silt. Along the creek was a mooring for a dhow boats agency named after political ex-resident  ‘Trenchard.’

Geologists used to set up camps then survey the surrounding areas for days, weeks, and months, accompanied by other individuals for protection.

Oil companies not only drew maps and drilled wells but also provided medical treatment to locals at no cost, as some members of the survey team were doctors.

The oil company was interested in salt for two reasons: one was the possibility of finding oil in underground traps caused by salt forming a path to the surface. 

The other was to use it for drilling operations, as salt had helped overcome a major problem facing the oil well in Haima, Oman.

In the days before four-wheel drive vehicles, there were no roads. In remote areas, geologists had to rely on camels. 

They later used light vehicles. In the mountains, it took a whole day to prepare a ram wide enough to allow cars to move through valleys that were covered with rocks, and movement was slow.

In 1948, a Wellington plane that was originally a bomber aircraft arrived to transport the geologists to Salala.

The oil company started using Land Rover vehicles in its survey operations.  

The Arabian Peninsula used to consist of competing provinces and tribes. During its early days, the oil company’s workers had to be accompanied by armed guards.