Al-Balushi (; alternatively Baloushi, Balooshi, Bloushi or Blooshi) is a tribal surname common in the Arab states of the Persian Gulf (predominantly Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar). The surname is an Arabized form of the term Balochi or Baluchi, typically denoting Baloch people ancestry from Balochistan.
Many people carrying this surname trace their ancestral origins to Balochistan — a region in southwestern Pakistan and southeastern Iran — located across the Persian Gulf. Their ancestors primarily came from the Makran coast. The majority of them speak Arabic, while some retain their native Balochi language language. They are mainly Sunni Islam Muslims.
Al-Balushis in Oman
Oman is home to one of the largest Al-Balushi populations outside Pakistan and Iran. It is estimated that Al-Balushis make up 35% of its population.
The presence of Al-Balushis in Oman dates back centuries, rooted in the connection between Makran (present-day Pakistan) and Oman. These regions shared economic and political ties, particularly through Gwadar Port, which historically served as a crucial link between Arabia, South Asia, and colonial European powers.
Gwadar was under Omani rule for nearly two centuries, initially governed by Sultan bin Ahmad and later remaining part of the Omani Sultanate, until 1958. That year, Sultan Said bin Taimur sold the territory to Pakistan for $3 million, officially transferring control of Gwadar.
People
Notable people with this surname include:
Sportspeople
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Azan Al-Balushi, Omani footballer
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Hamed Al-Balushi, Omani footballer
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Issa Ali Al-Bloushi, Emirati footballer
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Jamal Nabi Al-Balushi, Omani footballer
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Mohammed Al-Balushi, Omani footballer
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Muheeb Al-Balushi, Omani footballer
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Talal Al-Bloushi, Qatari footballer
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Wadha Al-Balushi, Omani sports shooter
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Khalid Al-Baloushi, Emirati footballer
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Walid Abbas, Emirati footballer
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Rayan Al-Bloushi, Saudi Arabian footballer
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Hamad Al-Balooshi, Emirati footballer
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Mansoor Al-Baloushi, Emirati footballer
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Abdullah Al-Buloushi, Former Kuwaiti footballer
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Ayesha Al-Balooshi, Emirati weightlifter
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Ali Mohamed Al-Balooshi, Emirati middle-distance runner
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Ali Al-Balushi, Kuwaiti boxer
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Ali Anwar Al-Balushi, Omani sprinter
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Yousuf Al Balushi, Omani cricketer
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Hamed Al-Balushi، Omani footballer who plays for Fanja SC
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Mohammed Jumaa, Emirati footballer
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Reem Al-Beloshi, Saudi Arabian footballer
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Khalid Abdulla Al-Blooshi, Emirati footballer
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Mohammed Abdullah Al-Balushi, Emirati footballer
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Mubarak Al Beloushi, Kuwaiti footballer
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Mubarak Al Beloushi, Qatari footballer
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Ahmad Al Beloushi, Kuwaiti footballer
Politicians
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Ahmed Bin Mahmoud Al Blooshi, Emirati political advisor
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Mirza Birkat Al-Balushi, Emirati last ruler of the western Makran coast
Miscellaneous
See also
Notes