[2] The first known Sheikh of al-Hawra was Abd Allah ibn Muhammad Ba Shahid, who ruled from circa 1858 to 1895.

At one point, they visited the Sheikhdom of al-Hawra, where they described a large castle, belonging to the ruling Al Kaiti family, dominating a humble village.

The castle, built out of sun-dried bricks, was seven stories high and covered roughly an acre (4 km2) of land, and prominently featured battlements, towers, and machicolations.

Theodore and Mabel were welcomed by the Sultan, who requested a gift, which was given in the form of 20 Indian rupees.

[3] Starting in 1888, the British Empire paid an annual stipend to al-Hawra, and a Protectorate Treaty was concluded with them in that year.