The palm is a common member of the flora of the UAE and throughout the Arab world, an ancient and powerful symbol of nations, cultures and religions. This week’s Arabic word of the week is nakhla, which translates as palm tree.
In 2019, the palm tree was recognised by Unesco and added to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The nomination to recognise and protect the palm tree came from 14 Arab countries, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestinian Territories, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia, the UAE and Yemen.
This shows the importance of the palm tree across the Arab world, traditionally symbolising prosperity and historically having been used as a resource by many in the region.
Although nakhla means palm tree, the verb form of the word, nakhala, means to sift through or to strain thoroughly. While not officially confirmed, a connection between the meaning of the verb can be connected to the unique properties and history of the palm tree in the region.
Often seen as the tree of the desert, palms also symbolise an oasis in an arid landscape, providing shade from the sun and sweet fruit in the form of dates. Historically, palm trees have been used in the construction of homes, their leaves for thatching and cladding structures, dwellings or household items as far back as 4,000 BC in the ancient region of Mesopotamia, or modern day Iraq.
Given that traditionally every part of the palm tree — from its trunk to leaves and fruit — have been used, the origins of the verb form of nakhla can be interpreted as using the best of any substance.
The date palm tree is also associated with fertility in the Arab world, since trees are either male or female, with the latter bearing dates. There are more than 2,600 species of palm trees that grow in warm, sub-tropical and tropical climates along with more than 200 varieties of dates.
Palm trees have also been referenced in all the Abrahamic religions, Christianity, Judaism and in Islam, where it continues to have a strong cultural presence.
While palm trees are ancient and have been great sources of inspiration in Arabic proverbs and poetry, today, palm trees are also seen as symbols of paradise, associated with beaches and tropical islands.
One of the most popular celebrations of the palm tree as a symbol for the Arab region is the UAE’s design for Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, the tree-shaped artificial island.
Renowned Iraqi singer Nazem Al Ghazali popularised the traditional folklore song Foug El Nakhal, which translates to Above the Palm Trees, in the 1950s. The song’s lyrics describe a man admiring an unattainable and beautiful woman “above the palm trees”.
The song has been re-recorded in varying styles and genres over the years due to its simple lyrics and the Arab world’s fondness for palm trees.
Scroll through the gallery below to see The National's pick of Arabic words of the week
Wonka
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Three trading apps to try
Sharad Nair recommends three investment apps for UAE residents:
- For beginners or people who want to start investing with limited capital, Mr Nair suggests eToro. “The low fees and low minimum balance requirements make the platform more accessible,” he says. “The user interface is straightforward to understand and operate, while its social element may help ease beginners into the idea of investing money by looking to a virtual community.”
- If you’re an experienced investor, and have $10,000 or more to invest, consider Saxo Bank. “Saxo Bank offers a more comprehensive trading platform with advanced features and insight for more experienced users. It offers a more personalised approach to opening and operating an account on their platform,” he says.
- Finally, StashAway could work for those who want a hands-off approach to their investing. “It removes one of the biggest challenges for novice traders: picking the securities in their portfolio,” Mr Nair says. “A goal-based approach or view towards investing can help motivate residents who may usually shy away from investment platforms.”
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
NBA Finals results
Game 1: Warriors 124, Cavaliers 114
Game 2: Warriors 122, Cavaliers 103
Game 3: Cavaliers 102, Warriors 110
Game 4: In Cleveland, Sunday (Monday morning UAE)
Company%20profile
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Titanium Escrow profile
Started: December 2016
Founder: Ibrahim Kamalmaz
Based: UAE
Sector: Finance / legal
Size: 3 employees, pre-revenue
Stage: Early stage
Investors: Founder's friends and Family
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
