In 1207 Hijri, AD 1776, a young water-diviner named Mustafa experiences a strange, mystical event. 43 years later, he divines water in the desert for what is to be his last well.

In 1367 Hijri, AD 1948, in an underdeveloped state on the Persian Gulf, the naïve and oppressed ladies of the Naamlahn Royal Harem see their lives transformed by the discovery of oil within their country's borders. This monumental discovery will lead to unprecedented economic and social upheaval in Naamlah, with the Emir, Salim, determined to lead his country through the shifting sands of development and modernisation. But with political enemies within and without, and religious fanatics whispering in the shadows, Emir Salim and the ladies of his harem face an arduous struggle towards their ambitious goals.