The Papers include publications written or collected by Gerald Tibbetts in connection with his research interests in early Arab navigation in the Indian Ocean. Related to this are draft copies of a lecture given by Tibbetts at the Royal Asiatic Society concerning the origins of navigation in the Indian Ocean.

There is also material collected by Tibbetts relating to his work on the Sindbad Voyage project (1980-1981) and his invitation to participate in the Heritage of Oman Festival.

Personal Papers of Major General Sir Frederic John Goldsmid

Five letters handwritten in Arabic and Persian script addressed to and from Sir Frederic John Goldsmid, Al-Azeez Ibrahim Iftadhi Burma, Shihav al-din Mahar, Al-Qadi and Mikhail abd-al Massih; most of these letters are of official matter relating to each person.

A handwritten letter in Arabic manuscript; the first line translates to 'To our respected father Al-Azeez Ibrahim Iftadhi Burham'. The letter is sent from Mohammed Abdel Ehafir, 15 Shawwal 1299 (Islamic date).

A handwritten letter in Arabic script, mentions of a man who comes from London and knows the Indian and Persian language. The letter is signed by Shihav al-din al-Mahar, Al-Qadi (Judge), possibly the occupation of the sender.

An official letter in Arabic script addressed to a Christian man named Mikhail abd-al Massih who comes from the town Kawm al-Asfar; it is a letter of discharge from further military service; illustrative army insignia on top of the page.

Manuscripts of programmes for performances, handwritten in Arabic script, the two performances mentioned are 'Marriage of Antar' which was performed at The National Arabic Opera in the presence of Kadil Tawfiq I. The second performance is of 'Telemachus son of Ulysses' which was possibly performed by the Qurdahi troupes at the Opera House in Cairo, Egypt.

Handwritten manuscript of a programme for the performance 'Marriage of Antar' with annotations in English; performed at The National Arabic Opera in the presence of Kadil Tawfiq I; includes a price list at the bottom of the page.

Handwritten Arabic manuscript of a programme for the opera performance 'Telemachus son of Ulysses', possibly performed by the Qurdahi troupes at the Opera House in Cairo, Egypt.

Three books of printed material in Arabic and Persian language, possibly official reports. There is also one page from the book 'Alfiya', Rhymed book of Arabic Grammar , and 16 loose pages from a book relating to Islamic teachings.