History of Gulf of Oman in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 2, 2026

The Gulf of Oman, also known as the Sea of Oman or Gulf/Sea of Makran, is a crucial waterway in the Indian Ocean. It connects the Arabian Sea to the Strait of Hormuz, which leads into the Persian Gulf. Geographically, it's bordered by Iran and Pakistan to the north, Oman to the south, and the United Arab Emirates to the west. This strategic location makes it a vital route for oil tankers and international trade, holding significant geopolitical importance.

2018: Rail tunnel proposal

In 2018, a proposal was made to construct a rail tunnel beneath the sea, connecting the UAE with the western coast of India. The proposed bullet train tunnel would be approximately 2,000 kilometers long and supported by pontoons.

2018: Discovery of a large marine dead zone

In 2018, scientists confirmed that the Gulf of Oman contains one of the world's largest marine dead zones. This zone, spanning approximately 165,000 square kilometers, suffers from critically low oxygen levels, making it uninhabitable for most marine life. The primary cause of the dead zone is increased ocean warming combined with increased runoff of nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers.