Shihuh

Shihuh refers to an Arab tribal group in Oman, traditionally described as a mountain people of the northern interior. They are concentrated in the eastern Hajar Mountains and have historic links to neighboring coastal and interior communities. In some accounts, Shihuh communities are also noted beyond Oman’s borders in areas adjacent to the United Arab Emirates, reflecting patterns of migration and settlement common to rural Gulf populations.

Language and identity: The Shihuh speak a form of Arabic that is often called Shihuh (or Shihi) Arabic. Linguists generally place it within the Gulf Arabic dialect continuum, with features that set it apart from some neighboring varieties. The Shihuh identity is tied to kinship networks, local leadership, and a shared heritage of mountain living, trade, and seasonal movement.

Society and economy: Traditional Shihuh life has centered on subsistence farming, date palm cultivation, terraced agriculture, and herding in the rugged terrain of the Hajar range. Social organization typically centers on extended families and clans, with customary practices governing marriage, hospitality, and local dispute resolution. In recent decades, modernization and national development in Oman have led to gradual urbanization and greater integration with broader Omani institutions, while some communities retain customary practices and regional cultural expressions.

History and interconnections: The Shihuh have long interacted with other tribes in the interior and along the coast, contributing to regional trade, defense networks, and cultural exchange within Oman. As with many Gulf communities, shifting economic conditions and state modernization have influenced migration, education, and household structure among Shihuh communities.

Note: Spelling and usage of the name can vary in historical and ethnographic sources. Contemporary references may treat Shihuh as a tribal, cultural-linguistic, or regional identity within Oman.