Oman–United Arab Emirates relations

File:Wadi Madha - Course and elevation profile.jpg, a wadi that passes between Fujairah, Madha, an enclave of Oman, and Nahwa, a second order enclave of UAE.]]

{{main|Buraimi dispute}}

The Buraimi dispute was a series of covert attempts by Saudi Arabia to influence the region of Al Buraimi and parts of Al Ain which resulted in an armed conflict and a territorial dispute between Saudi Arabia on one side and Oman and the Trucial States on the other. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was supported by Sultan Said bin Taimur during the dispute. The dispute eventually culminated with Saudi surrender after the intervention of the Trucial Oman Scouts.{{cite thesis |last=Al-Hosani |first=Hamad Ali |title=The Political Thought of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan |publisher=Durham University |pages=43–44 |url=http://etheses.dur.ac.uk/3448/1/electronic_version_of_my_thesis.pdf |format=PhD Thesis |url-status=dead |year=2012 |access-date=15 April 2016 |archive-date=5 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905102124/https://etheses.dur.ac.uk/3448/1/electronic_version_of_my_thesis.pdf}}

{{main|Dhofar War}}

During the Dhofar War in Oman, the UAE sent troops to Oman and provided financial aid to Sultan Qaboos bin Said.{{cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/1984/CSA.htm|title=The Insurgency In Oman, 1962-1976|website=globalsecurity.org|access-date=17 October 2005|archive-date=13 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113124151/https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/1984/CSA.htm|url-status=live}}

In January 2011, Oman stated that they have discovered an alleged spy network operated by the United Arab Emirates that targeted its government and military. UAE denied any involvement and expressed willingness to cooperate with any investigation. A number of Omani citizens were arrested, some of whom worked in the government.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12320859|title=BBC News - Oman uncovers 'spy network' but UAE denies any links|work=BBC News|date=31 January 2011 |access-date=21 February 2015}}{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-oman-emirates-spying-idUSTRE70T11R20110130|title=Oman says busts UAE spy network, UAE denies role|work=Reuters|date=30 January 2011 |access-date=21 February 2015}} Divisions between the two countries regarding Iran's nuclear ambitions were seen by analysts as a possible cause for the espionage.{{cite web|url=https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/uae-espionage-points-to-friction-between-gulf-countries|title=UAE Espionage points to friction between gulf countries|publisher=Jerusalem Post|date=1 February 2011|last=Rosenberg|first=David}} Oman helped establish back channels between Iran and the United States which resulted in the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.{{cite web|url=https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2019/05/09/oman-in-the-middle/|publisher=Foundation for Defense of Democracies|title=Muscat’s Balancing Act Between Iran and America|date=9 May 2019}} Kuwait's Sheikh Sabah Al Sabah mediated in the dispute after the spying accusation.{{cite web|url=http://www.defaiya.com/defaiyaonline/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1460%3Akuwaiti-mediation-resolves-oman-uae-spy-dispute-&catid=75%3Akuwait&Itemid=27&lang=en|title=Kuwaiti Mediation Resolves Oman–UAE Spy Dispute|work=Defaiya|date=5 March 2011 |access-date=21 February 2015}}

In 2019, Oman announced another alleged Emirati spying cell, with 5 Emiratis and 2 Omani citizens being put on trial for espionage. Omani Foreign Minister Yousuf bin Alawi remarked on the arrest during a lecture by saying “these things happen between neighbours”.{{cite web|url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190320-oman-fm-says-espionage-common-between-neighbours/|title=Oman FM says espionage ‘common’ between neighbours|publisher=MEMO|date=20 March 2019}}

In 2018 there were regional tensions between the countries following Qaboos' order to restrict non-Omani citizens ownership of agricultural land and real estate in Oman. The restriction followed multiple purchases by Emirati citizens. The restrictions were centered in strategic areas around the UAE, including the Musandam Peninsula.{{Cite web |title=Oman’s Sultan Goes to the UAE: Why it Matters Also to the US and China |url=https://www.ispionline.it/en/publication/omans-sultan-goes-to-the-uae-why-it-matters-also-to-the-us-and-china-171721 |access-date=2024-06-04 |website=ISPI |language=en-US}}

Tribes in Musandam have cultural, family and economic link with the surrounding Emirates and show differences with the Omani mainland in terms of religion with the presence of Sunni and Shia communities beyond the predominant Ibadi sect in Oman. The Shihuh tribe, who inhabit areas in the northern emirates and in Musandam, is spread across both Oman and UAE. Oman has detained tens of members of the tribe on national security reasons.{{cite web|url=https://www.ispionline.it/en/publication/strategic-borderlands-uae-oman-rivalry-benefits-tehran-23347|title=Strategic Borderlands: The UAE-Oman Rivalry Benefits Tehran|date=21 June 2019|publisher=Italian Institute for International and Political Studies}}{{cite web|url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/mde20/9127/2018/en/|title=Oman: Further Information: Shuhuh tribe members expect verdict in unfair trial|publisher=Amnesty International|date=20 September 2018}}

{{main|Hafeet Rail}}

In 2022, a joint venture to link the two countries by rail was announced.{{cite web|url=https://www.railway-technology.com/news/oman-rail-etihad-rail-network/|title=Oman Rail and Etihad Rail to establish $3bn cross-border rail network|publisher=Rail Technology|date=28 September 2022}} On April 23, 2024, the rail was renamed Hafeet Rail in reference to Jebel Hafeet, which lies between both Oman and UAE. The rail will connect the Etihad Rail at the Emirati city of Al Ain with Omani city of Sohar.{{Cite web|url=https://al-sharq.com/article/13/05/2024/%D8%A3%D9%88%D9%84-%D9%82%D8%B7%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D9%8A%D8%B1%D8%A8%D8%B7-%D8%A8%D9%8A%D9%86-%D8%A8%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%86-%D8%AE%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%AC%D9%8A%D9%8A%D9%86-%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B0%D8%A7-%D8%AA%D8%B9%D8%B1%D9%81-%D8%B9%D9%86-%D8%B3%D9%83%D8%A9-%D8%AD%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%AF-%D8%AD%D9%81%D9%8A%D8%AA|title= أول قطار يربط بين بلدين خليجيين.. ماذا تعرف عن سكة حديد "حفيت"؟|date=May 13, 2024|website=al-sharq.com}}

In 29 September 2022, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed visited Muscat.{{cite web|url=https://www.mofa.gov.ae/en/missions/muscat/media-hub/embassy-news/fraternal-relations|title=UAE President meets with Sultan of Oman to build upon fraternal relations and expand collaboration|publisher=United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs|date=29 September 2022}}

In 22 April 2024, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq visited Abu Dhabi and both countries signed agreements worth $35 billion. The agreements were in different sectors, such as energy and transportation.{{Cite web |title=UAE rolls out grand welcome for sultan of Oman’s state visit |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2497391/middle-east. |access-date=2024-06-04 |website=Arab News |language=en}}

• Omanis in the United Arab Emirates
• Oman–United Arab Emirates border

{{Reflist}}

{{Foreign relations of Oman}}

{{Foreign relations of the United Arab Emirates}}

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United Arab Emirates

Category:Bilateral relations of the United Arab Emirates

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