Surname: | Al Nuaimi |
Country: | United Arab Emirates |
Parent House: | Al Bu Kharaiban |
Titles: | Emir Sheikh |
Styles: | His/Her Highness |
Founder: | Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi |
Current Head: | Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi III |
The Al Nuaimi (Arabic: النعيمي) family is the ruling royal family of Ajman, one of the seven emirates that together comprise the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The family name is derived from the singular of 'Na'im': the Na'im is a major tribal confederation divided into three sections, the Al Bu Kharaiban, the Khawatir and the Al Bu Shamis (singular Al Shamsi). The Rulers of Ajman are drawn from the Al Bu Kharaiban section.[1]
The foundation of Ajman under Al Nuaimi rule took place when Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi and fifty of his followers took the coastal settlement of Ajman from members of the Al Bu Shamis tribe in a short conflict.[2] It wasn't until 1816 or 1817, however, that the Ajman fort finally fell to Rashid's followers and his rule was endorsed by the powerful Sheikh of neighbouring Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi.[3]