Abu Dhabi-Saudi Territorial Negotiations (1970-71): And the End of Britain’s Dominance in the Gulf

The subject matter of this paper is the examination of the UAE-Saudi territorial negotiations from 1970-1971. This study discusses Britain’s mediation role in the Abu Dhabi-Saudi negotiations. Of particular note is Britain’s role, which focused on managing the dispute instead of settling the Abu Dhabi-Saudi border disputes. This serves as an example of Britain’s wish to avoid damaging its economic interests and political relations with either the UAE or Saudi Arabia. In line with this, the paper will examine King Faisal’s proposal of 1970, Shaikh Zayid’s position towards it and Saudi Arabia’s and Abu Dhabi’s negotiation strategies and tactics in settling the disputed areas. The paper offers a full explication of the major factors that hindered the dispute’s resolution before Britain officially withdrew from the Gulf.