The arid lands surrounding the gulf produced little else and, except for the rich alluvial lands of the Mesopotamian plain, supported a small population of fishermen, date growers, and nomads.

• 贫瘠的海湾周围土地除了具有富饶的冲积层的美索不达米亚平原外，很少生产其它东西,仅能养活渔民、椰枣培植者和游牧民等的少量人口。