Crossword Genius

Figures plan to develop oil rich area (7,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

persian gulf

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'oil rich area' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how they can define each other.

'figures plan to develop' is the wordplay.
'to develop' indicates anagramming the letters.
'figures'+'plan'='figuresplan'
'figuresplan' with letters rearranged gives 'PERSIAN GULF'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for persian gulf that I've seen before include "Water between Iran and Saudi Arabia" , "Arm of Arabian Sea between Iran and Saudi Arabia" .)

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