The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Position on the Qatari–Bahraini Dispute over the Hawar Islands after Independence 1971–1990

Abstract

Border disputes in the Arab Gulf states and the Arabian Peninsula are among the most sensitive political and geographical issues due to their historical, legal, and security dimensions. These disputes have contributed to strained relations between several countries in the region. The border dispute between Qatar and Bahrain over the Hawar Islands, which consist of 16 small islands, the largest of which is Hawar Island, is considered one of the most prominent border issues in the Arabian Gulf region. Its course has been influenced by decisions issued by foreign countries, in addition to Arab positions regarding the ownership of the Hawar Islands and the demarcation of maritime borders. After the independence of both countries in 1971 and the discovery of oil and gas, the border dispute between them intensified and escalated significantly, developing into limited military confrontations. This was only averted by the intervention of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a mediator between the two countries to contain the crisis and calm the situation between them.