Offshore Oil Concessions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Offshore oil concessions in the Arabian Gulf, especially during the second half of the twentieth century, are a pivotal topic in economic history that deserves in-depth academic study. Oil constituted a prominent milestone in drawing the map of influence in the region, as the discovery of huge fields attracted foreign companies seeking to obtain exploitation concessions. .  This intense competition has led to maritime border disputes over oil-rich areas.

     This study aims to explore this period of time by studying the experience of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman, to understand the mechanisms of granting offshore oil concessions, the factors influencing this process, its economic, social, and political repercussions, and the role of oil companies in these countries. The research touched on To the beginning of the oil concession in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s maritime areas, and to the Saudi-Kuwaiti Neutral Zone Agreement until the signing of the agreement in 1957 AD, In addition, the researcher in this study dealt with the offshore oil fields discovered by oil companies within the territory of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I relied on the descriptive historical approach, by mentioning the events, tracing their course, and mentioning the privileges and developments that took place during this period.  The research consisted of four demands: the Submerged Zone Agreement of 1948 AD, and the Saudi-Kuwaiti Neutral Zone Agreement of 1948 AD.

The Saudi-Kuwaiti Submerged Neutral Marine Zone Concession in 1957, and the offshore oil fields in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.