Oman's strategic pacts during the Al Busaidy era

Oman's relations with the West date back to the 16th century when the Portuguese, led by Albuquerque, arrived in 1507. This marked the beginning of Portuguese dominance over Omani trade routes and coastal cities, including Muscat, for over 140 years, until their final defeat in 1649 during the liberation campaign led by Imam Sultan bin Saif al Yaarubi. The Portuguese were pursued as far as the Indian Ocean.

The earliest agreements with the Portuguese included their withdrawal from all areas of Oman except Muscat and Muttrah during the reign of Imam Nasser bin Murshid al Yaarubi. Meanwhile, in 1646, Britain signed a trade treaty with the Yaarubis. This treaty, signed by Imam Nasser bin Murshid al Yaarubi and Philip Wild on behalf of the British East India Company (EIC), granted commercial privileges in Suhar. However, this agreement held limited significance, as it did not impose any obligations on the Imam, whose primary aim appeared to be acquiring gunpowder to fight the Portuguese.

In 1659, Imam Sultan bin Saif al Yaarubi, Nasser’s successor, entered negotiations with Colonel Rainsford of the EIC to establish a treaty. These talks, however, were abandoned due to strong opposition from scholars who resisted dealings with Christians. This opposition also shaped Imam Saif bin Sultan al Yaarubi's actions against his brother, Imam Balarab bin Sultan, who sought peace with the Portuguese to focus on intellectual pursuits.

During the reign of Imam Ahmed bin Said al Busaidy (1744–1783), founder of the Al Busaidy state, neutrality characterised Oman's relations with Western powers. Despite renewed requests from the EIC to establish a headquarters in Muscat, Imam Ahmed declined. By 1773, however, Omani-British relations strengthened commercially, with Muscat emerging as a hub for British ships operating in the Arabian Gulf.

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Under Sayyid Sultan bin Ahmed (1804–1812), Oman's first formal treaty with Britain was signed on October 12, 1798. The treaty's seven articles prohibited the establishment of French and Dutch agencies on Omani territory and restricted their dealings in Muscat and Bandar Abbas. This agreement, reaffirmed in 1800, led to the appointment of a British political resident in Muscat.

Sultan Said bin Sultan al Busaidy’s reign (1806–1856) marked a period of significant political and economic cooperation. In 1822, he signed a treaty with Britain, followed by another in 1839 focusing on trade freedom, residency, transportation of goods, and tax regulations. In 1845, an additional treaty addressed commercial matters in Oman’s Asian and African territories.

After Sultan Said's death, a power struggle between his sons Majid and Thuwaini culminated in the 1861 division of the Omani Empire under the mediation of Lord Canning, Governor-General of India. Majid became the ruler of Zanzibar, while Thuwaini governed Oman. Franco-British tensions later prompted both nations to issue a joint statement affirming the independence of Muscat and Zanzibar while recognising the division of the empire.

In 1864, an agreement between Oman and Britain was signed during Sultan Thuwaini bin Said’s reign, followed by another treaty a year later. Sultan Turki bin Said (1871–1888) signed a landmark treaty in 1873 to abolish the slave trade across Omani territories. This agreement also allowed Britain to inspect Omani and foreign ships under the pretext of combating slavery. By 1875, further provisions granted Britain customs privileges and allowed its nationals to fall under British consular jurisdiction in Oman.

During the reign of Faisal bin Turki (1888–1913), the 1891 Omani-British Agreement of Friendship, Navigation, and Commerce replaced the 1839 treaty. Signed by Edward Ross, British Resident in the Gulf, this treaty was renewed multiple times until 1937.

These agreements reflect Oman's evolving political and economic relationship with Western powers, particularly Britain, during the Al Busaidy family's rule.

The article was translated by Badr al Dhafari. The original version of this article was published in Oman Arabic newspaper, commemorating the 280th anniversary of the Al Busaidy Dynasty's rule.