The influence of Rahmah bin Jabir began to shape in the maritime sphere of the Gulf, with his network operating around three key centres along the shores without a clear political domain on land. For fifty years (1782-1826), Gulf waters formed the boundaries of his power, and his ship, “Al-Ghatrusha”, served as his mobile capital. This study examines how Rahmah’s successes were tied to the sea, which he used for competition, negotiation, and defence. Unlike land-based tribal leaders, Rahmah centred his power on the sea. The study compares the centrality of the sea versus land in analysing the rise of Gulf political powers and suggests the term “maritime sheikhdom” as an alternative to “piracy”, reflecting a unique political structure.