Through trading dhows, the town was connected to a merchant network that included regional ports like Mukalla, Jeddah and Mumbai.

Local inhabitants produced and exported frankincense, indigo and mats, and imported items such as dates, a special cloth, rice and metals.

Through trading dhows, the town was connected to a merchant network that included regional ports like Mukalla, Jeddah and Mumbai.

Local inhabitants produced and exported frankincense, indigo and mats, and imported items such as dates, a special cloth, rice and metals.

On July 20, 2023, the Puntland parliament announced the renaming of the Gardafuul region to Ra’as Aseir, its original pre colonial name.