A local chief known as Abdullah bin Ali Al Uyuni aligned himself with the Abbasids and the Seljuk Empire,[5] and started an uprising with their support.

The Qarmatians were a radical Isma'ili group with major Zoroastrian influences[7] that had established its power in the eastern Arabian Peninsula.

The chief of the dynasty Abdullah bin Ali sought help from Seljuks and Abbasids to combat Qarmatian rule in Eastern Arabia.

[9] Despite that he was unable to beat the new leader of Qatif, Yahya bin Abbas, and the island soon came under their control once more, killing Abu al-Bahlul in the process.

He quickly conquered Awal and Qatif, and exiled its new ruler, Yahya bin Al-Ayash and then invaded the Qarmatian stronghold of Hofuf.

The Seljuk Sultan Malik-Shah I ordered the governor of Kerman to raise an army and confront the Uyunids in Al-Ahsa.