Black Gold and Incense

Collection of publications on the History of Oil in the United Arab Emirates

Black Gold and Incense (1947-1994) by Michael Quentin MortonThe National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates

Oil drilling operations in the Middle East began in 1945.

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.

Black Gold and Incense (1947-1995) by Michael Quentin MortonThe National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates

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

Black Gold and Incense (1947-1996) by Michael Quentin MortonThe National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates

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

Black Gold and Incense (1947-1971) by Michael Quentin MortonThe National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates

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

Black Gold and Incense (1947-1972) by Michael Quentin MortonThe National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates

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.’

Black Gold and Incense (1947-1974) by Michael Quentin MortonThe National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates

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

Black Gold and Incense (1947-1976) by Michael Quentin MortonThe National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates

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.

Black Gold and Incense (1947-1977) by Michael Quentin MortonThe National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates

Salt of the Earth

Black Gold and Incense (1947-1978) by Michael Quentin MortonThe National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates

Saltines in the South of the Arabian Peninsula

The English explorer, Henry St. John took a photo of saltines available in Aden’s Protectorates, which were covered in rocks that contained strong traces of petroleum deposits. Geologists were sent to investigate but could not find any evidence of oil deposits.

Black Gold and Incense (1947-1979) by Michael Quentin MortonThe National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates

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. 

Black Gold and Incense (1947-1980) by Michael Quentin MortonThe National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates

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

Black Gold and Incense (1947-1984) by Michael Quentin MortonThe National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates

Delightful Transportation Methods

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

Black Gold and Incense (1947-1985) by Michael Quentin MortonThe National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates

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.

Black Gold and Incense (1947-1987) by Michael Quentin MortonThe National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates

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

Black Gold and Incense (1947-1989) by Michael Quentin MortonThe National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates

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

Black Gold and Incense (1947-1991) by Michael Quentin MortonThe National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates

Keeping the Peace

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.

Black Gold and Incense (1947-1993) by Michael Quentin MortonThe National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates

And Then There Was Oil

Oil was discovered in Abu Dhabi opposite the coast of the Umm Shaif Oil Field in 1958. It was followed by the discovery of another field in Murban in 1959.

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