# Omani Baloch

Omani Baloch are the nationals of the Sultanate of Oman who are of Baloch ancestry. Around 20% of Omanis are of Baloch descent whose ancestors migrated to Oman centuries ago, and are now considered native. Baloch form the largest non-Arab community in Oman, and most of them have Al-Balushi as surname. Baloch served as mercenary soldiers for Oman between 18th and 20th century. The first modern army of Oman was exclusively Baloch, and even today around 40% of Omani Army consists of Baloch people.

## Populations
### 1950-1952

The Baluchi population in the Sultan's territories (excluding Gwadar) is fairly sizable, estimated at around 15,000 to 16,000 individuals. Most of them are long-established families who are an integral part of the local population, although they generally still speak Baluchi. A significant number of the Muscat Infantry are recruited from this group.
In Dhahirah, they are organized into a form of tribal structure, although their population there is only around 500. Their chief is Sa’id bin Rashid, and their primary settlements are in Mazam, Musalla, and Araqi. There are roughly 5,000 to 6,000 Baluchis living in Muscat and its surrounding areas, with another 9,000 scattered across the towns of Batinah. According to Lorimer, Baluchis are also settled in the Jaalan and both the Eastern and Western Hajar regions, though their numbers in these areas have dwindled significantly.
In Gwadar, the Baluchi people are the dominant group. They are divided into several tribes, each led by a shaikh:
- Allah Baksh Abdullah and his brother Ahmad – 5,000 followers
- Yusuf bin Nabi Baksh – 5,000 followers
- Abdul Rasul bin Bahram – 5,000 followers
- Habib Othman – 1,200 followers (his supporters are spread between Gwadar and the Charban district)
- Pishkan Pir Muhammad – 4,000 followers.

### 1961-1963

The Baluch is found in various regions, including 'Araqi, Mazam, Subaikhi, and Ibri. The tribe has prominent figures like Shaikh Rashid bin Sa'id from 'Araqi, who has sons such as Sa'id (living in Saudi Arabia) and Salim, along with several nephews: Suwaidan, Awadh bin Muhammad, Nasir bin Said, Hamid bin Rashid, Shihab, Rashid, and Salim bin Hamid. The Shaikh of Mazam is Sultan bin Nasir.
The tribe's settlements are dispersed across different regions with a strong presence in 'Araqi, where they have about 60 houses, and Mazam with 90 houses. Their presence in Ibri is smaller, with only 15 houses, and their total population in these areas are estimated to be around 500.
The Baluch are Arabic-speaking and have lived in the 'Araqi area for over a century, although the exact date of their settlement is unknown. They have a strained relationship with their Arab neighbors, often not integrating well with the local people despite dressing and living in a similar manner to Arabs. Aside from these areas, many Baluch also reside in Matrah and on the Batinah coast, with smaller groups in Wadi Ma'ih, Wadi Fara', and Qurayat.

## People
### Sportspeople

* Azan Al-Balushi, footballer
* Hamed Al-Balushi, footballer
* Jamal Nabi Al-Balushi, footballer
* Mohammed Al-Balushi, footballer
* Muheeb Al-Balushi, footballer
* Wadha Al-Balushi, sports shooter
* Khalil Al Balushi, football commentator

### Miscellaneous

* Darwish Ismail Al Balushi, former Omani Minister of Finance
* Hazza Al Balushi, Holy Quran reader
* Wafaa Al-Balushi, actress and media personality.
* Durrah bin Juma Al Balushi, former governor of Muscat