Meaning of all the Arabic area names in Dubai
Ever wondered what all the area’s names in Dubai mean? Well, if this is a question that has crossed your mind, we have all the answers for you! We have compiled a list of all the popular neighbourhoods in Dubai with Arabic names and their meanings. Read on to discover our list of Dubai area names and their meanings.
Dubai areas names’ meaning
Let’s dive into the meanings of the Dubai area names and where they originate from.
What’s the meaning of Jebel Ali?
Jebel Ali is first on the list of meanings of Dubai areas. The word Jebel in Arabic translates to mountain or hill, which makes the literal translation of Jebel Ali the Mountain Of Ali. Jebel Ali is said to have got this name from a religious figure named Ali, who lived on a high mountain there.
What’s the meaning of Al Barsha?
Al Barsha means plentiful. It is said to have got its name because it had a lot of trees surrounding the area, making the neighbourhood look complete and beautiful. Much like its past representation, the Al Barsha is now considered a complete place for families.
What’s the meaning of Umm Suqeim?
Suqeim is derived from the Arabic word ‘Saqm,’ which means illness. Long ago, the residents living in Umm Suqeim were said to have been struck with an illness that causes fever. Hence, it was known to be the ‘area of sickness’ or Umm Suqeim. But you won’t have to worry about that any more, as Umm Suqeim has now developed into the city’s most eclectic neighbourhoods featuring cafes, shops, and homes for expats and locals alike.
What’s the meaning of Jumeirah?
The word Jumeirah is loosely derived from the word ‘Jumr,’ which means hot or burning charcoal. This describes the hot sand in the area. Another interpretation of the word is ‘beautiful,’ which reflects the beauty of the ocean waves against the shore. Well, whatever the case, the area’s proximity to the warm white sands on the beach and the beautiful ocean is one of the many reasons people choose to live in Jumeirah.
What’s the meaning of Al Karama?
The word Al Karama translates to ‘dignity.’ Al Karama is a residential neighbourhood popular for having multiple eateries and allowing easy access to all the other districts. It is also a popular commercial district in the city.
What’s the meaning of Mankhool?
Next on our list of Arabic meanings of Dubai areas, we have Mankhool. This word is derived from the word Nakheel, which means palm trees. Mankhool district was known to have many tall palm trees surrounding the area. Hence, the name.
What’s the meaning of Bur Dubai?
Bur Dubai translates to ‘Mainland Dubai.’ Back in the day, Bur Dubai was the central hub for commercial activity in the city because of its connectivity to the creek. Bur Dubai remains a hub for commercial activity even today, with a large population of expats calling it home.
What’s the meaning of Deira?
Across the Creek from Bur Dubai is the beautiful district of Deira. Also known as a hub for commercial activity, the word Deira’s literal translation means place, which can imply ‘dwelling’ or ‘home.’
What’s the meaning of Al Ras?
Al Ras means is The Head. It can also mean the top of the land that joins the sea. This is one of the most literal origins and meanings of Dubai area names because the Al Ras district is located at the beginning of Dubai Creek.
What’s the meaning of Al Rigga?
The name Al Rigga comes from the Arabic word ‘Rig’, which means shallow water that appears when you dig a well.
What’s the meaning of Al Garhoud?
Al Garhoud has one of the most interesting meanings for neighbourhood names in Dubai. The name was derived from the Arabic word ‘Garaheed,’ which is the plural description for the hard mounds of cement and mud found in the area. Garhoud is the singular depiction of the word Garaheed. These mounds were broken and used as building materials for houses.
What’s the meaning of Hor Al Anz?
The community of Hor Al Anz is said to be named after the famed horse Al Anz, which belonged to the former ruler of Dubai, H.H. Sheikh Rashid bin Maktoum. The horse is said to have passed away in that area after a battle, and the place was named after him.
What’s the meaning of Al Jaddaf?
The area name Al Jaddaf translates to ‘The Rower,’ which is apt, as the area was the main site for building and maintaining traditional dhow boats.
What’s the meaning of Al Qusais?
The renters’ paradise, Al Qusais, was named after a plant that grows at the base of the truffle.
What’s the meaning of Al Mizhar?
The name of this neighbourhood was derived from the Arabic Zahra, which means flowers. The area of Al Mizhar was known to boast a variety of flowers which would freely grow in the area.
What’s the meaning of Al Rashidiya?
Before the area of Al Rashidiya became what it is, it was known as ‘Nad Rashid.’ After H.H. Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the former Vice President of the UAE, decided to upgrade the area, it was named Al Rashidiya, which means ‘for Rashid.’
What’s the meaning of Al Khawaneej and Al Awir?
For those wondering what the meanings of places in Dubai are, such as Al Khawaneej and Al Awir, they have a similar origin story. The areas were simply named after the names of the watering wells that were in the area.
What’s the meaning of Al Warqaa?
The Al Warqaa community is the final feature on our list of meanings of Dubai area names. It is known to be a quiet neighbourhood situated on the city’s outskirts, named after a bird that looks like a pigeon/dove.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Dubai’s Arabic area names change over time?
Street names have changed over time in Dubai; for example, Al Yufrah to Madinat Hind 4, Golf City to Al Hebiah Fifth, Al Mina to Madinat Dubai, AlMelaheyah and many more. The city is dynamic and always evolving, so you can expect different names over time.
How do Dubai’s district names reflect its history and culture?
Each of Dubai’s areas’ names is a reflection of the rich tapestry of history the place holds. When one looks at Deira, the name reflects how original dwellers of the country used to live and build their families there. Or Al Awir, which used to be a place where locals would meet to collect water. Each place in Old Dubai holds a story; it’s up to us to find it.
That concludes this post on the meanings of Dubai area names. If you’d like to learn some more jargon, here is a glossary of Arabic real estate terms used in Dubai that you may find useful. Stay tuned to MyBayut, the region’s favourite property blog, for more information on life in Dubai!
