This paper explores how nationalism has shaped the expression of loyalty and dissent in Oman and Bahrain since 2011, drawing from a series of over 90 semi-structured interviews conducted in 2013 with Omani and Bahraini citizens to explain how specific actors have attempted to create a sense that nationalism equates to support of the existing system, in effect marginalizing criticism as disloyal to the country. Despite some backlash, this has been an effective tool to reduce opposition during a time of political pressure. In both states the pre-existing state-society relationship emerges as critical to the effectiveness of this strategy. In Bahrain, where a culture of opposition has long existed and political parties are well established, there is a strong sense among reformers of being loyal to their country by demanding its improvement. Simultaneously, a government-driven narrative distinguishes between ‘loyal’ Bahrainis and the ‘disloyal’ opposition, whose secret allegiance lies with a foreign nation (Iran). Key to the effect of nationalism on loyalty and dissent in Bahrain is the founding myth of the nation-state – which is contested. The government’s narrative is in many ways a logical attempt to shore up traditional centres of support and prevent cross-societal opposition, yet dividing society into ‘true Bahrainis’ and ‘Iranian agents’ will have serious impacts for the nation’s cohesion in the years to come. The sense of ‘loyal opposition’ is not absent in Oman, especially among an educated elite that was heavily involved in protests in 2011. Yet this view was expressed only among a minority with greater exposure to foreign political cultures; a much greater majority equated being ‘Omani’ with being specifically loyal to the ruler (the Sultan) and in a more general sense being loyal to the system. A strong culture of Omani exceptionalism – which itself relates back to the state’s efforts at unity since 1971 – is often employed to explain Oman’s milder ‘Spring’ since 2011. Whereas in Bahrain the nationalism-as-loyalty strategy is primarily state-driven, in Oman resistance to protest often stems from society as much as from the state. Yet in both countries, criticism of specific issues like corruption have been tolerated and not denounced as unpatriotic. This paper draws on a comparative analysis based on extensive fieldwork to examine the interplay between nationalism, loyalty and dissent that has shaped Omani and Bahraini reformist movements.