The chapter delves into the historical contexts of Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Sharjah, Ras al-Himah, United Arab Emirates, and Oman in 1949, emphasizing the impact of oil discovery, colonialism, power dynamics, and economic shifts. It explores the unique social contracts between ruling families and merchant classes, sectarian divides, and the influence of British colonialism in shaping the political landscapes of these Gulf states. The discussion also touches on the evolution of maritime trading centers, the expulsion of the Portuguese, and the enduring impact of British colonial strategies in Oman and the Emirates.