Salim Khalaf bin Abdul Aziz's compelling book, "From Slave Trade to Piracy: The Gulf Economy Before Oil," offers a profound historical examination of the Arabian Gulf's economic landscape prior to the discovery of oil. This groundbreaking work delves into the complex and often harsh realities that defined the region's early commerce, including the significant roles played by slave trade and maritime piracy. The author meticulously analyzes how these challenging, yet pervasive, activities shaped the social structures, trade routes, and geopolitical dynamics of the Gulf states. It provides invaluable insights into a crucial, often overlooked, period, revealing the intricate tapestry of economic survival and transformation in a nascent region, making it essential reading for historians and economists alike.