Ul ' dah Ul ' dah is a city - state in " Final Fantasy XIV " located in the deserts of southern Aldenard . It is the most wealthy of the city - states , its flag bearing scales as a symbol of their commercial significance in Eorzea . The city - state was once exclusively populated by Lalafell , and the royal family is of this race , but the prospect of wealth attracted all peoples from across the world . The majority of the Syndicate members are Lalafell . Profile . The bustling commercial hub of Ul ' dah sits amid the desolate desert landscape of southern Aldenard . The city is organized strategically around the dome - shaped citadel at the center . Its towering fortifications and protective outer walls are visible for malms in all directions to deter would - be besiegers . Visitors from every corner of Eorzea come to Ul ' dah to partake of the city ' s famed recreation , most notably the fighting arenas and gambling halls . Ul ' dahic culture is known for its affluence , and the nation ' s wealth largely comes from its abundant mineral resources and prestigious clothcrafting industry . Historically , the sultan claims sovereignty over Ul ' dah , but true power is wielded by the Syndicate , an elite group of six of the most influential and richest members of society . Nald ' thal is the city ' s patron deity and two great halls devoted to his two aspects are found in the eastern and western sections of the city . The Syndicate . The culture and politics of Ul ' dah has greatly been dominated by trade and profiteering , affording the Syndicate a significant power base . Influence and most importantly wealth are the criteria for membership , and seats on the Syndicate can be bought . Syndicate members typically fell into two camps : Royalists who supported the monarchy , and Monetarists who prefer to displace the monarchy and exert more control over the city - state . Though Sultana Nanamo Ul Namo is officially the head of state in Ul ' dah , her power has been eroded by the largely Monetarist Syndicate , reducing her to a figurehead . As of the events of " A Realm Reborn " , the Syndicate was chaired by the following : General Raubahn is the lone Royalist on the Syndicate , and earned his place thanks to using his winnings from a high - stakes gladiatorial match to purchase both the Coliseum and a seat on the Syndicate . Landmarks and Services . Ul ' dah - Steps of Nald . Arrzaneth Ossuary . Located near the Gate of the Sultana , the Ossuary is a source of knowledge for the city , as its many books make evident . It also serves as the home of the Thaumaturge ' s Guild . Platinum Mirage . This small casino is owned by the Mirage Trust , headed by Teledji Adeledji . It is also the home of the Pugilist ' s Guild . Hall of Flames . The headquarters of the Immortal Flames . Players who are affiliated with that Grand Company can obtain tasks , goods , and create a Free Company here . Ul ' dah Aethyryte Plaza . Tucked away in an alcove near the Hall of Flames , the city - state ' s Aethyryte Crystal can be found here . Ruby Road Exchange . The avenue contains both a Linkshell Vendor and a Delivery Moogle . A dancing troupe can be found here . A lift will take players to either the Chamber of Rule or the Airship Docks . The Quicksand . A tavern and Adventurer ' s Guild run by Momodi . Players starting in Ul ' dah will initially be working under her . Inn and Levequest services are also available . Gate of the Sultana . This westbound exit leads to Western Thanalan . Gate of Nald . This northeasterly gate leads to Central Thanalan . Ul ' dah - Steps of Thal . Sapphire Avenue Exchange . The main commercial hub of Ul ' dah , several NPC merchants have assorted basic goods . In addition , Market Boards and retainer Summoning Bells are available for players here . Sunsilk Tapestries . This business is home to the Weaver ' s Guild where Adventurers may learn the art of weaving from the guildmaster , Redolent Rose . It is owned by Lord Lolorito Nanarito of the Syndicate . The Coliseum . An arena dedicated to gladiatorial sports . To that end , the Gladiators ' Guild is in charge . Scholars ' Walk . Located off the side of the Royal Promenade , this hallway leads to the Alchemists ' Guild . Gate of Thal . This easterly gate leads to Central Thanalan . " Version 1 . 0 " . Ul ' dah was the most densely populated city in the game . Its geographic placement between Limsa Lominsa and Gridania made it a commercial hub for adventurers in spite of the barrenness of the outlying region . It was the place where the Main Scenario quests converged after the brief narratives unique to each city - state were completed . It was the Hydaelyn equivalent to the Grand Duchy of Jeuno , the main difference being that it is a starting nation . Ul ' dah saw some of the worst server instability because of its player population density , including instances where the entire Thanalan region would crash . The Inn , originally accessed via the Quicksand ( Ul ' dah ' s Adventurer ' s Guild ) , was shut down for several weeks shortly after its release , attributed to the traffic in the area straining the server . Square Enix was unable to get it to function until they created a " back door " in the Gold Court , the core of the city . Between the lag , the resulting player complaints , and a general desire to evenly distribute player activity , Square Enix developed the Mercantile House feature to attempt to spread players to the other two city - states , but a few factors made this futile : Development . Like the other city states , Ul ' dah as a whole is largely intact , and contrary to what is shown in the footage of Bahamut ' s rampage at the end of 1 . 0 , it was not directly damaged by the Calamity ( or at least not to the extent the cinematic implied ) . It has , however , been redecorated and some spots have been modified , such as the addition of the Immortal Flames headquarters in the wall where the Market Wards once stood . The Milvaneth Sacrarium is currently inaccessible , being attributed to damage from the Calamity . The addition of jumping allows players to quickly drop to from the upper to lower levels in the Gold Court . The brothel aspect to the Miner ' s guild has been removed ; although the stage is still there , it appears the performers have moved to the Ruby Road Exchange . In concept art of Nanamo Ul Namo ' s throne room and the Syndicate meeting table , the Syndicate members are all depicted as Hyur , despite the majority being Lalafell in the published version of " Final Fantasy XIV " . Musical themes . " A New Hope " plays in Ul ' dah during the day time and " Sultana Dreaming " plays during the night time . Other appearances . " Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Curtain Call " . Ul ' dah appears as the FMS for " To the Sun " .