Musandam is home to two distinct ethno-linguistic groups.

The Shehi/Shihuh people are believed by some to be the original inhabitants of Oman, who were driven north to their current area by Arab Bedouin tribes coming from the south. They speak a dialect of Arabic that by some accounts is "unintelligible" to outsiders. They are also known for their unique architectural structures, such as houses built into mountain caves, and 'bait al qifl' (lock house), bunker-like storage rooms used for securing their valuables during seasonal migrations to the coast. The Shehi people also use an axe called a ‘jerz’ in Arabic, rather than the traditional ‘khanjar’ dagger. 

The Kumzari people are at the tip of the Musandam peninsula, and accessible only by boat. Their origins are unclear; they may be of Iranian and/or Arab descent. They speak a hybrid of more than 45 languages, including Arabic, Farsi, Urdu, English, and Portuguese. It is thought that shipwrecked sailors over the centuries contributed to the linguistic melting pot, but now the language is on the verge of extinction.  There are approximately 4500 speakers of Kumzari today. The Kumzari are traditionally fishermen, and known for their bravery in combat. The men also perform traditional dances like the Dandana, performed especially during Kumzari weddings. 

God, we pray for the Shehi and Kumzari peoples in Musandam, that they would:

• Come and Worship You. Psalm 86:9 – “All the nations (ethne) You have made will come and worship before You, O Lord; they will bring glory to Your name.”
• See Your Glory. Isaiah 66:18 – “And I, because of their actions and their imaginations, am about to come and gather all nations (ethne) and tongues, and they will come and see My glory.”
• Hear the Gospel clearly in their Heart Language. Matthew 24:14 – “And this gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”
• Become Disciples and Obedient Followers. Matthew 28:19 – “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations (ethne), baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
• Be Marked by Worship and Intercession. Mark 11:17 – “And as He taught them, He said, ‘Is it not written: “My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations (ethne)"? …'” (Isaiah 56:7)
• Repent and Be Forgiven. Luke 24:47 – “..and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in His name to all nations (ethne), beginning at Jerusalem.” 
• Be Filled with the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:17a – “‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out My Spirit on all people.'”

Adapted from 'All Nations' Verse List

Worship with us!: May The People’s Praise You by Keith and Kristyn Getty. Jesus, may all the peoples of Oman worship You!  

Matthew 18:14 Focus—‘Your Father in heaven does not want one of these little ones to be lost.’ 

Please bring these towns and villages before the Father:

Silal, Taqah district, Dhofar region. Population: 96

Masaybul, Taqah district, Dhofar region. Population: 94

Aruk, Taqah district, Dhofar region. Population: 91

Antaghaq, Taqah district, Dhofar region. Population: 90

Shihayt, Taqah district, Dhofar region. Population: 89

Akharat, Taqah district, Dhofar region. Population: 87

Antaghaq, Taqah district, Dhofar region. Population: 86

Hakab Bayt Hasun, Taqah district, Dhofar region. Population: 86