Schisms within Oman's ruling family had appeared before Ahmad ibn Sa'id's death in 1783.

His son, Sa'id ibn Ahmad Al Sa'id, is elected to the imamate after him.

The succession is unchallenged, and Said takes possession of the capital, Rustaq.

His brothers Saif and Sultan bin Ahmad call on Sheikh Sakar of the Shemal tribal group to help them gain the throne.

The Sheikh takes the towns of Hamra, Shargah, Rams and Khor Fakan.

Said fights back, but is unable to regain these towns.

However, Saif and Sultan feel it is too dangerous for them to stay in Oman.

Saif sails for East Africa, intending to set himself up as a ruler there.

He dies there soon after.

Sultan escapes to Gwadar on the Makran coast of Balochistan.