Hināwī are one of two major tribes of Oman, the other being the Ghāfirī.

Characterized as two significant divisions having distinct interests and organizations, their rivalry has been described as one section of each almost always at war with a section of the other.

Several tribal groups make up the Hinawi alliance, such as the Dhowahir, Beni Yas, and the Awamir, as well as the Harasis.

During the civil wars in Persia, which result from Nader Shah’s intervention in the 1737-38 and 1742-44, the two major tribal confederations of Hanawi and Ghafiri come into existence in Oman, though they have roots in earlier allegiances.

They have a decisive role in the political history of Oman, with Omani tribes affiliating with either the Ghafiri or Hinawi alliances.