Coll 6/88 'Intelligence: Military Report on Arabia (C.B. 1892).' [‎35r] (74/133)

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Kalbuh Cove, to west of Muscat Cove, extends about three cables southward
between the promontory terminating in RAS KALBUH and RAS AL BAZ. There
are depths of 8 to 4 fathoms in the outer part of the cove, but this part is not used for
anchorage, as it affords but little shelter. In the inner part there are depths of four
fathoms to one fathom.
Matrah Bay is again west of Kalbuh cove, with the town of this name at head of
bay. The bay affords good shelter in a “ Shamal,” but is open to the " Nashi.” The
anchorage is off the north-west shore, three or four cables north-east of Arbak south
fort.
There is another small cove to westward between RAS KOWASIR and RAS AS
SHATAIFI. It is open to “ Nashis,” and not used as an anchorage. At the head of
the cove is the village of SHATAIFI.
In brief, considering MUSCAT as a naval base, it has a good anchorage, but
exposed to the “ Shamal ” and, to a lesser extent the “ Nashi,” at all times of the year.
At present accommodation for personnel, piers, and other facilities are non-existent.
The climate has been described as that of the hottest place in the world in the summer,
though pleasant in the winter. It is a much drier heat than Bahrain and other Southern
Gulf ports, and therefore fairly healthy.
(2) Port Facilities
These are very primitive. The only pier is the coaling one in Muscat cove extending
from the coal sheds, with 4 ft. of water at its outer end. The coal sheds are now in ruins and
no coal is stored. There is no inland communication from the pier.
There are two wharves at MUSCAT :—
[a) One, under Fort Mirani, 180 ft. long, with steps on south and east sides. There is
a depth of at least 4 ft. at both steps.
{b) Customs wharf, 200 ft.dong, which has no steps and is almost dry at low water.
Landing can be effected on the foreshore in front of the Agency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, headed by an agent. and also in
Mughab Bay, which is sheltered during a ” Shamal.”
Landing in boats in calm weather is also possible (i) in Matrah Bav, opposite the villages
of RITAM, MATIRAH, MATRAH and ARBAH ; (ii) opposite the village of SHATAIFI,
where sandy beaches exist.
Harbour craft comprise about 58 lighters with a total capacity of 250 tons.
There are no lifting appliances.
The capacity of the port is estimated at 200 d.w. tons per day.
(3) The Town
The town of MUSCAT presents a picturesque appearance from the sea. The walls are
on the western and southern sides, the eastern and part of the southern side being close-to,
and even against, the face of the hills. The suburbs of mat huts occupy every available
piece of level ground in the vicinity. MUSCAT is the capital of OMAN and though once
important and prosperous, has been declining and falling into decay for a number of years.
Trade has largely been diverted to the sister port of MATRAH, from whence starts the
caravan route to the interior. The populations of MUSCAT and MATRAH have been (1933)
estimated at 5,000 and 8,000 respectively and, counting the other small adjacent villages,
the number is probably near 20,000.
Date growing is the principal agricultural industry. Small quantities of a rough hand-
woven cloth are made, chiefly for local use. There are no other industries. The chief exports
are dried and salted fish and dates.
Prominent buildings in MUSCAT are the Sultan’s palace and the British Agency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, headed by an agent. and
Consulate on the sea front. Southward of the Consulate is the Agency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, headed by an agent. hospital of twenty beds
(two of which are reserved for Europeans), in charge of which is an officer of the I.M.D. with
a native sub-assistant surgeon. There is also a hospital maintained by American missionaries.
Malaria and tuberculosis are frequent. Venereal disease is rife. Cholera, plague and small
pox are infrequent. Sanitation is bad. Tanks for the storage of drinking water drawn from
local wells combined with an aqueduct leading to the landing place southward of Mirani fort,
represent the water supply. It can be supplied to H.M. ships alongside by stand pipe and is
stated to be good. The tanks, however, become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, thus
spreading malaria.
Water can also be supplied to vessels at anchor in a water lighter of about 45 tons capacity.
There are no billeting facilities. The nearest facilities for camping are at BEIT AL FELEJ,
where there is ample flat ground.
There is a Government of India Post Office in the Agency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, headed by an agent. .