[2] The Al Bu Shamis emigrated from Western Arabia to settle around the Dhahirah and Sunaynah areas.
While the Na'im were often involved in disputes and open warfare with other tribes, including the Bani Kaab, Bani Qitab and Al Bu Falasah, the Al Bu Shamis remained generally on good terms with other tribes, particularly the Duru and Bani Qitab.
[5] The Na'im settled 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.
[7] However, following the death of Zayed the Great, the Na'im once again were loyal to Muscat but in the 1930s and 40s came under Saudi influence.
[8] With Saudi interests focused on Buraimi in the late 1940s, together with the Bani Kaab, the Al Bu Shamis were ranged against British forces during the Buraimi Dispute.