Total population | |
---|---|
1,000,000 (20%) [1] | |
Regions with significant populations | |
Muscat, Al Batinah, Al Buraimi, Dhofar, Ash Sharqiyah, Dhahirah | |
Languages | |
Arabic, Balochi, Jadgali[2] | |
Religion | |
Islam Sunni Islam | |
Related ethnic groups | |
Omanis, Baloch, Jadgals, Jats |
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.[3] Baloch form the largest non-Arab community in Oman,[2] and most of them have Al-Balushi as surname.[4] Baloch served as mercenary soldiers for Oman between 18th and 20th century. The first modern army of Oman was exclusively Baloch,[2] and even today around 40% of Omani Army consists of Baloch people.[5] A significant population of Omani Baloch is of Jat (called Zadjalis in Oman) origins.[6][2]