Treaty of Al-Uqair

The Treaty of Al-Uqair is an agreement signed between King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud and the British Government, represented by Sir Percy Cox, at Al-Uqair Port in Al-Ahsa Governorate on the coast of the Arabian Gulf, on 18 Safar 1334 AH, corresponding to 26 December 1915. [1] [2]

The treaty affirmed King Abdulaziz's standing as Emir of Najd and Al-Ahsa. It came within the course of consolidating the third Saudi state, and was later annulled under the Treaty of Jeddah of 1927. [2] [3]

Al-Uqair Port lies in Al-Ahsa in the Eastern Province, on the coast of the Arabian Gulf, and is the first seaport in the Kingdom. [2]

The port was the main harbour of the successive civilisations of Al-Ahsa until recent times, and served as Najd's maritime gateway and the region's passage of settlement. [2]

Excavations at the Al-Uqair site and its surroundings uncovered finds dating to the Gerrha era, between 500 and 400 BCE, and an Islamic residential building dating to the third or fourth century AH that rests on the foundations of pre-Islamic structures. [2]

At Al-Uqair Port, on 18 Safar 1334 AH, corresponding to 26 December 1915, the treaty was signed between King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud and Sir Percy Cox, representing the British Government. [1] [2]

Under the treaty, Britain recognized Abdulaziz as Emir of Najd and Al-Ahsa and undertook to provide him with financial and military assistance, on condition that he not communicate with any other state or conclude treaties without its consent. [3]

The Treaty of Al-Uqair is also known as the Treaty of Darin and the Treaty of Qatif. [3]

King Abdulaziz chose Al-Uqair Port as the venue for discussing the borders between Najd, eastern Jordan, and Iraq, which resulted in the signing of the Al-Uqair Protocol in 1341 AH/1922. [2]

The treaty was annulled under the Treaty of Jeddah of 1927, in which Britain recognized Abdulaziz as King of the Hijaz and Najd and his right to conclude treaties with other states. [3]

King Abdulaziz established at the port the customs, the passports office, the wharf, the Khan building, the Emirate building, the fort, the mosque, the water spring, and the Bu Zuhmoul tower. [2]

Al-Uqair Port flourished in the early days of the Saudi state until around 1365 AH/1945. [2]

Its importance began to shrink in 1377 AH/1957, with the start of work on Dammam Port and the railway line. [4]

The port's activity declined as trade routes shifted after the discovery of oil in Baqiq and Dhahran, with paved roads and a number of modern ports built close to the oil fields and the commercial markets in the Eastern Province. [2]

Al-Uqair Port is documented as the first seaport east of the Kingdom on the coast of the Arabian Gulf, and the economic gateway at the beginning of the state's establishment. [4]

The customs building at the port was registered in the National Antiquities Register, and the Khan, Emirate, and Emirate fort buildings were restored during 1418 AH. [2]

The Heritage Commission launched the “Historic Al-Uqair Port” event in January 2023 to celebrate its civilisational value; the port is one of the oldest in the region. [5]

Q: When was the Treaty of Al-Uqair signed? A: On 18 Safar 1334 AH, corresponding to 26 December 1915. [1]

Q: Where was the treaty signed? A: At Al-Uqair Port in Al-Ahsa Governorate on the coast of the Arabian Gulf in the Eastern Province. [1] [2]

Q: Who were the parties to the treaty? A: King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud and Sir Percy Cox, representing the British Government. [2]

Q: What did the treaty provide? A: Britain recognized Abdulaziz as Emir of Najd and Al-Ahsa and undertook to provide him with financial and military assistance, on condition that he not communicate with any other state or conclude treaties without its consent. [3]

Q: How did the treaty end? A: It was annulled under the Treaty of Jeddah of 1927, in which Britain recognized Abdulaziz as King of the Hijaz and Najd and his right to conclude treaties. [3]