Positivity and spirituality are qualities often found in popular Arabic female names, notably due to their connection with Islam in the Arab world.
While some take after prominent figures in Islamic history, others refer to treasured concepts in the Arabic language and culture.
Here are the meanings behind 10 popular Arabic female names.
Aya
One of the most versatile Arabic female names, Aya has several meanings such as “verse” or “passage” in the Quran or Bible, and can even refer to verses of poetry. “Ayat” is the plural and another variation of the name, although not used as often.
Another meaning with a religious connotation is “sign” or “evidence” from the divine. It can also mean “miracle” in a religious context or setting. Another way the word aya can be used is within a phrase, to describe the utmost beauty in relation to someone or something.
Aisha
Both a phrase and a verb in itself, the name Aisha is the female version of the root word “alive” or verb “to live”. The name gained prominence as it belonged to the Prophet Mohammed's third wife, who was a fundamental leading figure in Islamic history, especially known for her intelligence and knowledge.
Sara
Originating from Hebrew, Sara is a name popular in the Arab and western world, meaning “princess” or “noblewoman”. It is the female version of the word “sar”, meaning “prince” or “leader” in Hebrew. It can be traced back to the Islamic figure Sarah, the wife of the Prophet Ibrahim.
Maryam
Maryam is one of the most popular female names in the Arab world, considering its roots are derived from the Abrahamic religions. Although it is not clear what its origins are, it is familiar in Christianity from the Virgin Mary, mother of the Prophet Isa (Jesus). It is also a variation of the name “Maria”, often used in the Greek Old Testament and commonly in Greek culture.
Fatima
The name Fatima is derived from the Arabic verb “fatama”, meaning “to abstain” or “to wean” off something. The name holds significance in Islam as it belonged to a daughter of the Prophet Mohammed, Fatima Al Zahra. She is a highly esteemed woman and a symbol of purity and devotion as she is considered one of the Fourteen Infallibles – those who are protected from sin and are models for spiritual guidance.
Layla
Commonly known as the Arabic word for “night”, the name Layla has a rich history of being romanticised.
The name belonged to the love interest of a medieval poet, Imruʾ Al Qais, who was nicknamed Majnun Layla, meaning “Layla's madman” for falling in love and being infatuated with Layla Al Aamiriya, but ultimately driven to insanity when her father refused their marriage.
The story was retold by Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi in his poem Layla and Majnun and was considered a popular romance in the Arab world, before being adapted across many creative formats in retellings of the story.
Farah
Holding a positive connotation, Farah is a popular name often used in the Middle East, meaning “happiness”, “joy”, or “delight”. It comes from the Arabic verb “fariha”, meaning “to be happy”.
Nour
Meaning light in Arabic, Nour is a name used for both females and males due to its spiritual connection. In Islam, Al Nur – the light – is one of the 99 names of Allah, which are attributes that are used to describe the divine qualities of God.
Zahra
The root of the name Zahra is “zahara”, meaning “to bloom” or “to shine”, while Zahra means “flower”, “shining” and “bright”, which is the feminine form of the masculine name Azhar. The name is also linked to Fatima Al Zahra. When a woman is described as Al Zahra, she is seen as the “beautiful” or “radiant” one.
Alya
Derived from the root word and masculine name Ali, Alya is the feminine form meaning “elevated” or “lofty”, signifying the sky and heaven and reflecting a noble status. It is thought to have Slavic roots, meaning clarity.
The specs
Engine: 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6
Power: 540hp at 6,500rpm
Torque: 600Nm at 2,500rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Kerb weight: 1580kg
Price: From Dh750k
On sale: via special order
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Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
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Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
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Notable salonnières of the Middle East through history
Al Khasan (Okaz, Saudi Arabia)
Tamadir bint Amr Al Harith, known simply as Al Khasan, was a poet from Najd famed for elegies, earning great renown for the eulogy of her brothers Mu’awiyah and Sakhr, both killed in tribal wars. Although not a salonnière, this prestigious 7th century poet fostered a culture of literary criticism and could be found standing in the souq of Okaz and reciting her poetry, publicly pronouncing her views and inviting others to join in the debate on scholarship. She later converted to Islam.
Maryana Marrash (Aleppo)
A poet and writer, Marrash helped revive the tradition of the salon and was an active part of the Nadha movement, or Arab Renaissance. Born to an established family in Aleppo in Ottoman Syria in 1848, Marrash was educated at missionary schools in Aleppo and Beirut at a time when many women did not receive an education. After touring Europe, she began to host salons where writers played chess and cards, competed in the art of poetry, and discussed literature and politics. An accomplished singer and canon player, music and dancing were a part of these evenings.
Princess Nazil Fadil (Cairo)
Princess Nazil Fadil gathered religious, literary and political elite together at her Cairo palace, although she stopped short of inviting women. The princess, a niece of Khedive Ismail, believed that Egypt’s situation could only be solved through education and she donated her own property to help fund the first modern Egyptian University in Cairo.
Mayy Ziyadah (Cairo)
Ziyadah was the first to entertain both men and women at her Cairo salon, founded in 1913. The writer, poet, public speaker and critic, her writing explored language, religious identity, language, nationalism and hierarchy. Born in Nazareth, Palestine, to a Lebanese father and Palestinian mother, her salon was open to different social classes and earned comparisons with souq of where Al Khansa herself once recited.
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Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
Baby Driver
Director: Edgar Wright
Starring: Ansel Elgort, Kevin Spacey, Jamie Foxx, Lily James
Three and a half stars
BULKWHIZ PROFILE
Date started: February 2017
Founders: Amira Rashad (CEO), Yusuf Saber (CTO), Mahmoud Sayedahmed (adviser), Reda Bouraoui (adviser)
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: E-commerce
Size: 50 employees
Funding: approximately $6m
Investors: Beco Capital, Enabling Future and Wain in the UAE; China's MSA Capital; 500 Startups; Faith Capital and Savour Ventures in Kuwait
Credit Score explained
What is a credit score?
In the UAE your credit score is a number generated by the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB), which represents your credit worthiness – in other words, your risk of defaulting on any debt repayments. In this country, the number is between 300 and 900. A low score indicates a higher risk of default, while a high score indicates you are a lower risk.
Why is it important?
Financial institutions will use it to decide whether or not you are a credit risk. Those with better scores may also receive preferential interest rates or terms on products such as loans, credit cards and mortgages.
How is it calculated?
The AECB collects information on your payment behaviour from banks as well as utilitiy and telecoms providers.
How can I improve my score?
By paying your bills on time and not missing any repayments, particularly your loan, credit card and mortgage payments. It is also wise to limit the number of credit card and loan applications you make and to reduce your outstanding balances.
How do I know if my score is low or high?
By checking it. Visit one of AECB’s Customer Happiness Centres with an original and valid Emirates ID, passport copy and valid email address. Liv. customers can also access the score directly from the banking app.
How much does it cost?
A credit report costs Dh100 while a report with the score included costs Dh150. Those only wanting the credit score pay Dh60. VAT is payable on top.
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
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Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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