[1] In late August 2017, following a signed a Memorandum of Understanding and Services Agreement by Sir Michael Fallon, the then British Defence Secretary, an agreement was subsequently announced to construct logistical support infrastructure especially for the British Armed Forces, named the United Kingdom Joint Logistics Support Base (UKJLSB).

[2][3] The location was chosen by the United Kingdom (UK) due to its strategic position, which is east of the Suez Canal but outside the Persian Gulf.

[4][5][6] Other British military bases within the region include HMS Jufair[4] and RAF Al Udeid, which are located in Bahrain and Qatar, respectively.

[9] The base is large enough to accommodate the Royal Navy's nuclear submarines and Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers,[1][2][3] which will utilise the facilities operationally from 2021.

[8] In November 2021, the base hosted HMS Queen Elizabeth and her carrier strike group for the first time, prior to their participation in joint military training with Omani forces.