"Pirate Coast", 19th century

The disparate sheikhdoms of the Gulf and in Oman traditionally all flew plain red flags. As British vessels were constantly attacked and pillaged by vessels of the Qawasim clan, based mainly in Ra's al-Khaimah in the early 19th century, this stretch of coast became known as the “Pirate Coast”. Although the British required vessels to include the colour white in their flags after the treaty to indicate they had forsaken piracy, the plain red flag continued to be flown on land.