Social Contributions of Al-Dawasir Tribe in Bahrain up to 1928

Abstract

The Arabian Gulf region is characterized by having primarily tribal communities. Therefore, the study aimed to identify the social role that Al-Dawasir tribe in Bahrain had played, starting from their relations with the ruling Al Khalifa family, in addition to their other social contributions in Bahrain until 1928. The study relied on a variety of sources, foremost of which were some British documents that addressed this important period in Bahrain's history in general, and Al-Dawasir tribe in particular. In addition, some important academic studies that discussed this important period in Bahrain's history, as well as important Arabic sources from Arabic books and scientific research published in Arab periodicals. The study reached many results, the most important of which is that many people of Najd were searching for a source of income to ensure a decent life after their regions suffered from a lack of economic resources. Many of them found in Bahrain a source of abundant livelihood, as it is considered one of the largest diving areas for pearl hunting in the world. Those who arrived to Bahrain first and made profits in the pearl trade cnostituded a strong motive for other people from the region to come to Bahrain and work with their compatriots. Consequently, the substantial profits encouraged some Najdis to reside and integrate into Bahraini society, thus becoming part of the demographics of Bahrain.