الملخص الإنجليزي
The Sultanate of Oman has a geo-strategic location that connects the Arabian Peninsula
to Asia and Africa. Oman's strategic location has given it access to the world sea routes
and enabled it to become a regional commercial and sea power in the 19th century under
Sultan Said bin Sultan. The Omani empire, under Sultan Said bin Sultan, stretched from
East Africa to Pakistan in Asia. However, after the collapse of the Omani empire in 1964,
Oman turned to isolationism under Sultan Said bin Taimur, and has since been living the
role of a small power state with its limited economic and military capabilities.
Furthermore, Oman's location attracts the attention of the great powers as Oman is
overlooking one of the main strategic waterways in the Middle East which is the Strait of
Hormuz, through which 40% of the world's oil passes to the World. Oman is located
between two regional power rivalries, Saudi Arabia and Iran, who are competing to
control the politics of the region. These geopolitical factors have pushed Oman to follow
active neutrality to secure its independence and avoid the pressure of the regional and
great powers. Nevertheless, there are several geopolitical future challenges and
competition for Oman's strategic areas such as Duqm Port, Masirah Island, Strait of
Hurmoz and Al-Mahra and Salalah. Geopolitics might put more pressure on Oman and
affect its neutral policy.
