Authenticity combines with modernity of construction

Abu Dhabi street names take inspiration from heritage and celebrate local dialect

• The names of the streets in Abu Dhabi are in harmony with its location, as the streets near the beaches bore names from the marine environment.

  Photography: Najeeb Mohamed

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Enas Muhaisen À Abu Dhabi

The streets of the Emirates reflect the general approach of the state, which is based on a combination of modernity and originality. While the streets of the state are characterized by modernity, whether in planning or in modern buildings, their connection to heritage seems equally clear, as a large part of these streets derives their names from heritage and its various vocabulary and elements. .

In the capital, Abu Dhabi, the streets represent a lexicon that includes many names in the local Emirati dialect, which were derived from heritage and its vocabulary, handicrafts and tools that were prevalent in the community before.

The choice of street names was also characterized by harmony between the site and the name, so the streets near the beaches bore names from the marine environment, such as “Al-Qaffal Street”, a name that was given to the journey back from the diving trip after the end of the diving season, which extended for four months. Diving is the main occupation for many residents of the Arabian Gulf coasts for many years, and al-Qaffal means return, and it is said that al-Qaffal is for those who have been locked out of travel, i.e. return. And a walkway, in addition to facilities related to Abu Dhabi heritage, such as the "Zayed Center for Studies and Research", affiliated with the Emirates Heritage Club, and includes the "Sheikh Zayed Gallery", which displays a collection of the possessions of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul.

The area was previously known as the "Fishermen's Marina", and is one of the oldest inhabited coastal destinations in the capital.

Abu Dhabi streets also bear a number of names associated with the marine environment, including “Al-Hiyali” Street, which is the name of a fishing net made of spinning, and “Al-Sheraa” Street, and “Louifi” Street, which is a name given to one of the types of jellyfish in the local Emirati dialect. Poison jellyfish, characterized by their light burgundy color and delicate legs, are rare on the shores of the Emirates, as well as "Al-Hayer" Street, a name given to pearl banks and collected "Herat", and "Fintas" Street, which refers to the name of the place where the water is stored on the deck of the ship. .

Abu Dhabi also includes streets bearing names derived from nature, such as “Al-Dabbas” Street, which is a name given to a type of dates, and “Al-Aseej” Street, which is located in the Al-Rawda area. Arabic has several names, including Al-Abq, Al-Obq, and Death.

As for Al Yariyar Street, it is located in the Hadaba Al Zafarana area, and bears the name of a type of gravel that is abundant in the deserts of the Emirates.

There is Al Yah Street, which is the name of one of the stars in the sky, and Al Muzn, which refers to the rain-laden clouds.

Whereas, Al-Hayol Street derives its name from the women’s jewelry that is worn on the hands, specifically the gold or silver bracelets. This street is located near the “Zayed Gold City” center in the center of the capital, as well as “Al Saray” Street, which refers to the word “Al Sarraj” or The lantern that was used for lighting in the past.

Al Las Street, located in the Mushrif area, bore the name of a type of fabric that was used in the garment industry in the country during the sixties of the last century. Because of its characteristics, it is a shiny and thin fabric, it has a silk-like feel in addition to its lightness.

• The streets of Abu Dhabi bear a number of names associated with the marine environment, including Al Hiyali Street.

• Abu Dhabi includes streets bearing names derived from nature, such as Al-Dabbas Street.

Addressing and Spatial Guidance

The naming of Abu Dhabi streets comes within the unified addressing and spatial guiding project, which bears the name “My Address”, which aims to facilitate movement throughout the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and to help individuals, business owners and visitors to easily reach any destination efficiently and effectively, by numbering buildings and naming streets in Various parts of the emirate, with numbers for buildings and facilities, and unique names for streets that reflect the Emirati identity, with the addition of the postal code feature for the regions and neighborhoods of the emirate, which contributes to shortening distances and time, and enhances the quality of life.

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