Khawr Abd Allah

Khawr Abd Allah
خور عبد الله
Khawr Abd Allah
Location	Southern Kuwait, Northern Iraq
Group	Estuary
Coordinates	29°59′00″N 48°12′36″E
Type	Estuary
Part of	Kuwait
Primary inflows	Shatt al-Arab and Arabian Gulf/Persian Gulf
Primary outflows	Persian Gulf/Arabian Gulf
Ocean/sea sources	Arabian Gulf/Persian Gulf
Max. width	2~10 km
Surface area	200~300km
Average depth	6 to 8 meters
Max. depth	13 to 15 meters
Max. temperature	46°
Min. temperature	0°
Islands	Jazirat Bubiyan, Jazirat Warbah
Settlements	Umm Qasr

Khor Abdullah is a waterway located in the northern part of the Arabian Gulf, between Kuwait's Boubyan Island and Warba Island on one side, and Iraq's Faw Peninsula on the other. The creek extends into Iraqi territory, forming the Khor Al-Zubair,

Khawr Abd Allah was named after the Sheikh Abdullah I Al-Sabah, the second ruler of Kuwait, approximately 280 years ago

In 2010, the Iraqi government laid the foundation stone for the construction of the Grand Faw Port on the Iraqi side of the creek.

Historical background

Iraqi documents indicate that Khor Abdullah lies within Iraqi territorial waters. Official Iraqi sources confirm that the creek was under full Iraqi control prior to the First Gulf War. Iraqi forces also conducted extensive demining operations in the creek after the war. During the 1980s, the area witnessed confrontations with Iranian forces and was liberated from Iranian control at that time.

Border dispute

According to United Nations Security Council Resolution 833 (1993), the maritime boundary between Iraq and Kuwait was demarcated. The resolution stipulated that Khor Abdullah is shared between the two countries and considered a joint waterway, with navigation rights for both parties. This decision sparked objections within Iraq, with some officials and analysts viewing it as a concession of Iraqi sovereignty over the creek.

Kuwaiti perspective

Kuwait asserts that Khor Abdullah is viewed as an integral part of Kuwait’s territorial waters, and any perceived infringement on its sovereignty is treated as a national and strategic concern.

Iraqi perspective

The Iraqi government asserts that Khor Abdullah is a vital strategic seaport for Iraq and emphasizes the importance of maintaining full sovereignty over the ports and surrounding waters. It is considered part of Iraq’s maritime geography, directly connected to the ports of Umm Qasr and Faw.

Qatari perspective

Reaffirmed support for Kuwait’s sovereignty and legal maritime rights.

Saudis perspective

Supports Kuwait. Called Iraq's move a threat to regional stability. Urges adherence to signed agreements.

Egyptian perspective

Supported Kuwait and condemned any violations of signed treaties.

Irani perspective

Maintained a neutral public stance. Urged Iraq and Kuwait to resolve the issue bilaterally. Avoids favoring one side openly.

Bahraini perspective

Strongly backed Kuwait. Views Iraqi withdrawal as a destabilizing act.

Jordanian perspective

Stated support for Kuwait’s legal rights and called for respect of agreements.

UAE's perspective

Expressed solidarity with Kuwait. Stressed respect for sovereignty and international law.

See also

• Grand Faw Port
• Umm Qasr
• Iraq–Kuwait border disputes
• Khor Al-Zubair

References

• United Nations Security Council Resolution 833 (1993)
• Iraqi Ministry of Transport – Maritime Projects Archive
• Official Iraqi statements published by the Iraqi News Agency

External links

• http://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2025/05/07/gcc-backs-kuwait-in-its-maritime-dispute-with-iraq 2025-05-07 at thenationalnews.com

• http://www.usnwc.edu/getattachment/16048719-a2e3-4107-bbff-b0fe0b64e1e4/03-Stich-(RELEASABLE) Archived 2012-03-06 at the Wayback Machine
• defense.gov
• https://web.archive.org/web/20150214025027/http://www.leakoverflow.com/questions/554987/09kuwait465-protocols-assist-iraqi-and-kuwaiti-navies-in
• http://www.cablegatesearch.net/cable.php?id=09BAGHDAD1912
• http://www.conservatives.com/people/peers/astor_john.aspx Archived 2013-04-04 at the Wayback Machine