Map/Chart > The Persian Collection

The Arabian or Southern side of the Gulf of Persia (Abu Dhabi in the UAE to Oman). Eastern sheet

This historic survey of the Arabian coastline is one part of a larger survey which covers the entire length of the coastline of Arabia stretching from what is now Kuwait to the north east and Oman to the south west.

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As the British Empire expanded its trade interests in the early nineteenth century, the trade routes from British India (Bombay in particular) to Britain had become significantly more important.   The Honourable East India Company (HEIC) was the instrument by which the British traded and their merchant ships, known as East Indiamen and 'country vessels', carried millions of pounds worth of goods.  The ports of the Gulf were an integral part of the trade route, providing intermediate trading.  As part of the H.E.I.C’s growing interest in trade with towns and ports along the Arabian coastline the ‘Bombay Marine’ undertook its own surveying programme, the results of which it shared with the British Admiralty.   Amongst the most significant features included on this chart of the Arabian coastline of the UAE, which stretches from Abu Dhabi north to the border with Oman and beyond to include the Musandam Peninsular, are the place names.  Although no key is provided with the chart, the surveyors and the engraver, John Bateman, all stick firmly to the traditions of British map and chart making. They utilised standardized symbols dating back to J.F.W. Des Barres's 1777-1784 publication the ‘Atlantic Neptune’ for: rocks and reefs along the coastline; significant hill formations on land which may be recognizable from the sea, including the red sand hills south of Ras Al Khymar (Ras Al-Khaimah) and a mountain with a 'white patch' at 'Shaum' (Shams); cliff formations; marsh and other treacherous/foul land; and major settlements, with an indication of size and population.  Significantly, there is no indication given as to potential anchorages rather that the detailed hydrography speaks for itself.  What is also of note is the abundance of vegetation and trees along the coast north east of Abu Dhabi.  With time, the shape of the coastline has also changed with the shifting sands.   Finally, one of the most important features marked on the map are the cities of 'Abothubbee' (Abu Dhabi) - which is now of course the capital city of the United Arab Emirates and the seat for the Government, as well as being the home for the Abu Dhabi Emiri Family.  'Debai' (Dubai), 'Amulgawein' (Umm Al Quwain) and ‘Ras Al Khymar’ (Ras Al-Khaimah) are also clearly shown.  Towers are marked at 'Sharja'  (Sharjah), 'Amulgawein' (Umm Al Quwain), 'Shaum' (Shams) and a fort at 'Bookha' (Bukha), along with various other landmarks recognisable from sea. As they had done 50 years earlier on the North American coast-line, the British were surveying with a view to gaining a better understanding of the region in which they were looking to either expand or defend their interests.