United Gulf States
The United Gulf States, also abbreviated as UGS, is a federation of eleven principalities located in the Middle East, bordering Basrah to the north, Ha'il to the west, and Oman to the south. The UGS was established in 1960, amid the wave of decolonization from Great Britain.
Formation and Early History
The UGS was formed from several principalities formerly under British control. In response to external threats from Oman, Persia, and the British themselves, these entities coalesced into a unified federation. Each state maintained a level of internal autonomy while contributing to the collective strength of the federation.
The 11 principalities of the UGS
- Abu Zaby: Ruled by the Al Issa family, part of the Bani Yas tribe who historically expelled the Portuguese from Liwa in the 1660s. The tribe migrated towards the coast in the 1730s due to an Omani invasion, leading to the establishment of the coastal city of Abu Zaby.
- Katar: The Al-Sulayti family, affiliated with the Al-Salihs of Kuwayt, rule Katar. They migrated to northern Katar in the late 18th and early 19th centuries due to interest in the pearling industry.
- Kuwayt: In the 18th century, the Al-Salih family gained dominance in Kuwayt.
- Bahrayn: Led by the Al Fardan family. Bahrayn has also maintained good diplomatic relations with the Persian Empire.
- Al Katef: The eastern branch of the Mutayr tribe, the Al-Ilwa, were given control of Al Katif by the British.
- Al Hasa: The Hithlayn family of the Ajman tribe, historical enemies of the Saudis, control Al Hasa and the surrounding region.
- Dibba: The Jawasim tribe, who cooperated with the British during the British-Omani War in the 1880s, rules this area. Their capital is Dibba, though their largest city is Ras Al Khaymah.
- Umm al Kuwayn: The Nakbiyin tribe, historic allies of the Jawasim, control this region.
- Dubay
- Fujayra
- Deyra
Rise of Ahmad Al-Salih
The UGS underwent a significant shift in 1967 with the rise of Prince Ahmad bin Hassan Al-Salih of Kuwayt. Elected as Prime Minister of the UGS in 1967, Al-Salih advocated for the redress of historical exploitation by Britain, arguing that it had not provided adequate compensation following the region's independence. Al-Salih nationalized the oil industry in 1968. In response to this move, Britain imposed economic sanctions on the UGS in 1969, a decision that garnered mixed reactions among the Organization of Democratic Nations (ODN), particularly from post-colonial nations.