Ahmad bin Said al-Busaidi (1710 – 15 December 1783) was the first ruler of Oman of the Al Said dynasty. He came to power during a period when Oman was divided by civil war, and the Persians had occupied large parts of the country. During his long rule as Imam the country prospered and regained its leading position in the Persian Gulf.

Ahmad bin Sa'id bin Muhammad bin Khalaf bin Sa’id Al-Busaidi Al-Azdi Al-Ammani Al-Ibadhi was born in Adam, Oman in 1710, the son of Sa’id bin Muhammad Al-Busaidi. Ahmad bin Saìd came from the Al Bu Saìd, a small Hinawi tribe from the interior of Oman. He was great great grandson of Mubarak al-Saidi al-Azdy of the Banu Hiba, a clan belonging to the Hiwani tribe of Yemen. It was said that he began as a wood vendor and worked his way up. He became a leading merchant of the port city of Sohar. In 1737 he was appointed governor of this city.

The sixth Imam of Oman of the Yaruba dynasty was Saif bin Sultan II, who came to power during a period of civil war and lost popularity due to his indulgent lifestyle. Saif called for military help from Persia, and in 1737 Persian troops arrived led by Nader Shah. They began to conquer the country. The Persians left in 1738 but returned from 1742 to 1744. By 1742 the Persians were in control of much of the country. Saif was tricked into letting them take the key forts of al Jalali and al Mirani in Muscat while drunk at a banquet. He died soon after, the last of his dynasty. The Persians took Muscat and then attacked Sohar to the north. After enduring nine months of siege, Ahmad bin Sa'id negotiated an honorable surrender. The Persian commander Taqi Khan confirmed him as governor of Sohar and Barka in return for payment of tribute.

By late 1744 Ahmad had control over large parts of Oman.Bal'arab bin Himyar of the Yaruba had been elected Imam in 1743, and retained the support of some of the Ghafiri of Dhahireh and the Semail. Bal'arab bin Himyar raised a strong force and advanced on Muscat, but was unable to take that town. He then attempted to take Sohar. Ahmad went to town's aid but was deserted by his troops at the Battle of Bitnah around the start of 1745 and forced to flee. Ahmad used excuses to delay paying tribute, and as a result the Persians could not pay their troops in Muscat and many deserted. In 1747 Ahmad invited the remaining Persian troops to a banquet at his fort in Barka. There he massacred them.

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