Oman–Saudi Arabia relations

Oman–Saudi Arabia relations refers to the current and historical relations between Sultanate of Oman and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Oman has an embassy in Riyadh and a consulate in Jeddah, whilst Saudi Arabia has an embassy in Muscat.

Omani–Saudi Arabian relations

Oman
Saudi Arabia

Two nations have a long historical relationship between two states. Both are members of the Gulf Cooperation Council and mainly adhere to Islam, Oman follows Ibadi Islam while Saudi Arabia follows Sunni Islam. Both being gulf states, make them strong allies, however, Oman has a more lenient approach when it comes to Iran.

The two countries share a long border, second in length only to the Saudi Arabia–Yemen border.

History

Khawarij movement

The Khawarij, a radical Islamic group formed after the death of Prophet Muhammad in what would be today Saudi Arabia, was responsible for the revolt against Caliph Ali.[1] However, some of them, following the more moderate and disagreed with the Khawarij, refused the authority of Khawarij and moved into South Arabia, which would be today Oman. Thus, the moderate party formed the Ibadi movement, in which later became the core of Omani culture. The Ibadi is the only surviving force of the Khawarij movement.

Modern relations

As both Oman and Saudi Arabia's modern political approach formed amidst the withdrawal of British Armed Forces, they established relationship at 1971. However, Oman has chosen a moderate approach in political agenda in comparing to Saudi Arabia. Oman has been acting as a mediator that keeping relationship with Iran[2] when Iran has tensions with other Arab countries, and since then has become a bridge connecting relationship between two countries. Also, Oman doesn't participate in the Saudi-led coalition at the Yemeni Civil War.

Recently, Oman also plays as moderate mediator during the current standoff between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, and provides an alternative route to bypass the blockade of Qatar by Saudi Arabia and its allies.

References
  1. "Khawarij: A History of Violence".
  2. "Oman, stuck between Saudi Arabia and Iran". Al-Monitor. January 10, 2016.
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