| Na'im النعيم (in Arabic) | |
|---|---|
| Arab tribe | |
| Ethnicity | Arab |
| Location | United Arab Emirates |
| Branches | Al Bu Kharaiban, Al Bu Shamis |
| Language | Arabic |
| Religion | Islam |
The Na'im (Arabic: النعيم) (singular Al Nuaimi Arabic: النعيمي) is an Arab tribe in the United Arab Emirates.[1] The tribe is also present in other gulf countries.
The Na'im is divided into three sections, the Al Bu Kharaiban, the Khawatir and the Al Bu Shamis (singular Al Shamsi). It is from the former section that the current Rulers of the Emirate of Ajman are drawn.[2] Of the three sections, the Al Bu Shamis has become virtually independent and associated closely with the Al Bu Falasa of Dubai.[3]
The traditional heart of Na'im territory was the oasis town of Buraimi and nearby Al Ain, where Na'im expansion came at the expense of the Dhawahir tribe, but also rubbed up against the Bani Yas and the allied Manasir. Although the Na'im were linked to the growing Wahhabi influence in the Buraimi area and adopted the doctrine, they allied with other forces to evict the Wahhabis from Buraimi in 1871 and subsequently occupied many of the forts around Buraimi.[2] However, following the death of Zayed the Great, the Na'im once again came under Saudi influence, leading to their participation in the Buraimi dispute.