Ghafalah

[1] An entirely Bedouin tribe at the turn of the 20th century, the Ghafalah roamed the Jiri Plain inland of Ras Al Khaimah and particularly Umm Al Quwain,[2] but did not extend their dar, or roaming territory, into the Hajar Mountains or even their foothills.

[4] A Ghafiri tribe, the Ghafalah were close to the Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi and often supported them in conflict.

[5] They subsisted mainly by selling firewood and charcoal in the coastal towns, and by the produce of their 700 camels, 1,000 sheep and goats as well as cattle and donkeys.

[3] They also carried goods such as dates across inland routes to service coastal traders.

[6] The Ghafalah were one of a number of tribes opposed to oil exploration taking place inland of the Trucial States, particularly in the late 1940s,[7] frequently allying with the Khawatir, who frustrated the coastal Qawasim rulers in granting oil concessions and access to the interior.