The industrialisation has resulted in fairly serious pollution along the beach and in the Gulf. It appears probable that Gabes was originally founded as a Phoenician harbour. Conquered and destroyed by the advancing Arabs. The companion of the prophet Muhammad , Sidi Boulbaba, settles in Gabes, bringing new life to the town. With the arrival of the French protectorate, Gabes becomes the centre of the southern region.
Gabes comes under French control after cooperation between the Jewish community and the French army.
Permissions to trade pass over on Jewish hands. The large community of Jews is driven out after anti-Jewish riots. The liberation results in serious damage to the structure of the city. Flood destroying parts of the town. Dispute over the oil reserves in Gulf of Gabes is resolved with Libya .