Ask Ali: Abu Dhabi street naming started with Sheikh Zayed

Dear Ali: Is there a story behind the street names in the emirate of Abu Dhabi? Who named them? And what are they based upon? KJ, Abu Dhabi

Dear KJ: Many people think that the street naming happened only recently because of a new strategy implemented by the Government. But it’s actually the completion of phase two of a long-term strategy that was planned and created by our first president, Sheikh Zayed, who was the first person to come up with the concept of naming streets in the emirate.

The reasons and concept behind his strategy were based on three points.

Firstly, showing loyalty to figures of the Royal Family, who had a huge influence on the history and people of Abu Dhabi – for example, Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan.

Secondly, giving recognition to places that have supported Abu Dhabi, for example Dalma Island (one of the best-known streets in the city is Dalma Street). There are also streets named after areas such as Liwa, a major district in the Western Region, which is Sheikh Zayed’s ancestral home. These were the main places where the Al Nahyan family’s power started; they later decided to relocate their capital from the Western Region to Abu Dhabi.

Thirdly, Sheikh Zayed’s street-naming strategy included using positive words that would bring hope to people’s lives and make them proud and happy as they drive in their city – such as Al Saada Street, which means “happiness”.

Today, we’re proud of what our Government has accomplished and offered us and everyone who comes to live and work in the country.

Dear Ali: I'm trying to make some new friends who are Emirati, but it seems so difficult to get to know anyone. Do you have any advice? NR, Al Ain

Dear NR: This is one of the questions that I’m asked the most. If I charged one dirham every time that I was asked this question, I swear I would be a millionaire by now.

I would say that usually the difficulty in meeting new Emiratis really depends on exactly who you approach, because building a friendship or accepting it in Arab culture requires much more time than it may in the western world.

I know some people who have lived in the UAE for more than 10 years and have never spoken to an Emirati.

Remember, we’re fewer in number than the expat community, and our families and people have different levels of conservativeness, traditions and values, so this also makes it more difficult for expats. You would need to make the first move by starting to speak to some Emiratis and building a good level of conversation with them.

The younger generations in our society don’t really have any issues or challenges, because their level of English is much better than the older generations. This is one of the main reasons why many older Emiratis feel uncomfortable with making friends with someone who might not understand them or who may laugh at their English. Many would rather avoid losing face, so they avoid communicating in English.

Simplify your English when communicating with Emirati people from older generations and search for good subjects to attract them to your mind and way of thinking.

Football and other sports, cars, books, movies, television shows and many other subjects could all be of interest to an Emirati. And that, my friend, would be the first step toward building a trusted friendship. Also, why not surprise him or her with a few Arabic words and, even better, show them that you know a few Emirati words, such as “marhaba al saa’a”, which is “hello” in Emirati dialect.

Ali Al Saloom is a cultural adviser and public speaker from the UAE. Follow @AskAli on Twitter, and visit www.ask-ali.com to ask him a question.

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