The discovery of petroleum in the gulf countries

Petroleum, or crude oil, is a fossil fuel that formed from the remains of ancient marine organisms over millions of years under high pressure and high temperature. Petroleum is used to make gasoline and thousands of other products, such as tires, plastics, and medicines. However, petroleum is also a nonrenewable source of energy that contributes to climate change and environmental pollution when burned.

The discovery of petroleum in the gulf countries, especially Saudi Arabia, has radically changed the physical, human, and political geography of the region and the world. Before the discovery of oil, the gulf countries were mostly poor and underdeveloped, relying on fishing, pearl diving, agriculture, and pilgrimage tourism. After the discovery of oil, the gulf countries became rich and powerful, developing modern infrastructure, industries, and services. They also became influential players in global politics and economics, as most industrialized nations depend on their oil exports.

The first oil discovery in the gulf region was made in Bahrain in 1932 by a subsidiary of the Standard Oil Company of California (SOCAL). This discovery encouraged SOCAL to seek an oil concession in Saudi Arabia, which was granted in 1933. The first oil well in Saudi Arabia was drilled in Dhahran in 1935, but it was dry. The second well was also unsuccessful. The third well, however, struck oil on March 3, 1938, revealing the largest source of petroleum in the world.

The discovery of oil in Saudi Arabia was followed by similar discoveries in other gulf countries, such as Kuwait (1938), Qatar (1940), Abu Dhabi (1958), Dubai (1966), and Oman (1967). The exploration and production of oil in the gulf region was initially dominated by foreign companies, such as SOCAL, British Petroleum (BP), Royal Dutch Shell, and Exxon. However, after the 1970s, the gulf countries gradually gained more control over their oil resources by nationalizing their oil companies or forming partnerships with foreign firms.

The development of offshore drilling technology also enabled the gulf countries to access more oil reserves under the sea. The first offshore drilling platform in the gulf region was launched in Louisiana in 1954 and towed to Qatar. By the end of 1949, 11 oil and gas fields were found in the Gulf of Mexico with 44 exploratory wells. Offshore drilling expanded rapidly in the following decades, reaching deeper and more challenging waters.

Today, the gulf countries are among the largest producers and exporters of oil in the world. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Saudi Arabia has the second-largest proven oil reserves in the world (about 16% of global reserves), followed by Iraq (9%), Kuwait (6%), UAE (6%), Iran (6%), and Qatar (2%). The gulf countries are also members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), which coordinates their oil policies and prices.

The discovery of petroleum in the gulf countries has brought enormous wealth and development to the region, but also some challenges and risks. The dependence on oil revenues has made the gulf economies vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil markets and demand. The environmental impacts of oil production and consumption have also raised concerns about sustainability and diversification. Moreover, the geopolitical conflicts and tensions in the region have threatened the stability and security of oil supplies.

The history of discovery of petroleum in the gulf countries is a fascinating story of science, technology, business, politics, and culture. It shows how a natural resource can transform a region and affect the world.