Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Saudis pose a serious threat to the Gulf sheikhdoms. British protection saves Kuwait, Qatar and
the UAE from being subsumed into Saudi Arabia.
1916
Hussein leads an Arab revolt against the Ottomans in anticipation of being crowned 'King of the
Arabs'. The British sign the Balfour Declaration instead, favouring the establishment of Israel.
1932
Ibn Saud combines the two crowns of Hejaz and Najd, renaming his country the 'Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia'. In the same year, oil is struck in commercial quantities in Bahrain.
1948
The 'Gulf rupee' replaces the Indian rupee as the common currency of all Gulf States, reflecting a
shift away from the jurisdiction of the British Raj after India's independence.
1960
The Middle East produces 25% of the non-Communist world's oil. The 1960s bring the winds of
change and hand-in-hand with independence comes a sense of national and regional identity.
1961-71
In 1961 Kuwait gains independence from Britain. In late 1971 Bahrain and Qatar follow suit followed
by the sheikhdoms of the lower Gulf which combine to form the United Arab Emirates.
1973
The Gulf States embargo of oil to the West - the 'oil weapon' - is first used to powerful effect during
the Arab-Israeli War to protest against the West's support for Israel.
1981
In May, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE and Oman form the Gulf Cooperation Council
(GCC) to increase economic cooperation and in response to the perceived threat from Iran.
1990
In August, Iraq invades Kuwait and annexes the state. King Fahd of Saudi Arabia appeals to the US
for help and the US and Allied forces launch Operation Desert Storm.
1991
Yemen makes regional history by becoming the first multiparty democracy on the Arabian Peninsula
after the reunification of the country in the previous year.
