What's in a name? The National spoke to Dubai residents, some of whom made interesting suggestions as to what the city's streets should be called. Ranvir Kamal lives on Oud Meitha road in Dubai which he thinks is the most boring street in the city. "I am probably the most interesting thing on this street and they could name it after me," joked the 20-year-old student. "If not that they should name it after Lamcy Plaza mall, which is an important landmark here."
Ryad Alam, who is self-employed, said the city had created new landmarks over the past few years which had gained prominence. "For example, streets near Burj Dubai should definitely be named after the tower. Other landmarks like the huge Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates should be considered while naming the streets." Other suggestions included having streets named after existing leaders of the UAE and the region, as well as traditional names defining the street.
"The Bur Dubai market is well known as Meena Bazaar for the Indian market in it. I think such things should be considered," said Thajuddin P, a grocery shopkeeper. Residents of the new Dubai areas said the initiative was welcome as the streets have not been named. "Unlike older parts such as Bur Dubai and Deira which are more organised, there is very little idea of street names in the new Dubai areas such as Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence. They are all known by landmarks," said Ed Richardson, a resident of Dubai Marina.
"Street names in the Marina should be on traditionally available fish in the water here as the development is on the waterfront." * The National
