Political and commercial rivalry between France and Britain in Oman

The occupation of Egypt in 1763 AD by the military force of France and the menace of occupying the possessions of Britain in the East, especially from French, started a period of rivalry between these two European forces in the north of Africa, Indian Ocean, Persian Gulf and specifically Oman. Because of its geographical condition in Indian ocean and the entrance of Persian Gulf, Oman was, from one side, in contact with the eastern part of Africa and Mauritius island (the military base of French in Indian ocean) and, from the other side, in commercial relation with the western part of India and the areas which were occupied by Britain. Such strategic situation helped the English government of India and the French ruler of Mauritius Island to try to prevent the penetration of their rival in their territory, taking advantage of the geographical condition of the area and developing their relations with the kings of Oman. From 1775 AD on, after a decline in the threats from France and the occupation of the colonies of that country in Indian Ocean and the east of Africa, Oman got out of the scope of rivalries between France and Britain. In this article, the state of formation, development, and destiny of the rivalry, which was the reflection of parts of confrontations Britain and France had in Europe, is investigated.