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The National
2 days ago
- The National
How the UAE's seven emirates got their names – and what they mean
A gazelle leading settlers to water, palm fronds dotting coastlines - some of the names behind the UAE 's seven emirates draw on the country's landscape, commerce and cosmopolitan heritage. While some of the titles are not officially documented and come from history and local tradition, they reveal the tapestry of life and experiences and the connection between human activity and geography that shaped each emirate before they became a dynamic federation. Here are the stories behind the names of all seven emirates. Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi 's name is linked to the emirate's founding story. According to Visit Abu Dhabi, the name stems from how early settlers followed a gazelle to fresh water on the island. The name derives from Arabic toponyms, with Abu being an associative word rather than the literal meaning of father, and zaby (gazelle) for the animal, creating "father of the gazelle". Beyond its geographical roots, Abu Dhabi's name cements the emirate's cultural heritage: from a land where wildlife once guaranteed survival to one that has grown with the swiftness and grace of its namesake. Dubai Historical records cited by Visit Dubai show the earliest mention of the emirate in a geography text from 1095, followed by later references in pearl merchant records as "Dibei," while British historical accounts described the city as "Al Wasl". Popular theories describe Dubai stemming from the word daba, meaning "to creep" or "to flow slowly," perhaps referencing the movement of vessels in Dubai Creek, while other local traditions suggest the name connects to a historical souq once operating in the area. In many ways it doesn't matter – that confluence of stories and tapestry of human experience befits the cosmopolitan nature of the emirate. Sharjah The emirate's name derives from the trilateral root letters shin-ra-qaf, which in Arabic carries meanings related to the east, sunrise and rising. While often linked in popular accounts to an 'eastern' location, official sources and local reports link Sharjah 's name to poetic descriptions as a place of culture and inspiration. Ajman The name comes from the Arabic word Ajam, used historically to refer to foreigners – those who spoke in an "unclear tongue" or non-Arabs. While a direct origin of the emirate is unclear, Ali Al Matrooshi, former director of Ajman Museum, wrote in a 2005 column for Emirati newspaper Al Bayan citing old Emirati traditions that said Ajman 's name was initially in reference to the "Persian traders" formerly residing in the emirate's ports. While the contemporary usage of the word Ajam has evolved, the emirate's name seems to stem from a particular time of its early settlement. Ras Al Khaimah Meaning "head of the tent," Ras Al Khaimah 's name comes from a direct translation from classical Arabic. Another common interpretation links it to the emirate's geographic position as the northern point of the tent-shaped UAE. But historians say the name goes deeper than its founding, with ras referring to the peninsula forming the emirate while khaimah (tent) alluded to tightly-knit palm frond houses dotting the land between the sea and the creek. Umm Al Quwain According to the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism, the name derives from a phrase referring to its "two powers," in reference to its mastery of both land and water. The geography aligns with the meaning, with Umm Al Quwain home to archaeological sites and Al Sinniyah Island, one of the UAE's largest islands and a natural reserve for migratory birds during its relatively warm winters. Fujairah No official meaning exists, but according to Al Matrooshi, the name is linked to the words "mafjar" or "fajrah," meaning a "water springs that gush forth from under the mountains there," he wrote. The meaning is also backed by the emirate 's standing as the only UAE emirate with a coastline solely on the Gulf of Oman.
News18
27-07-2025
- Sport
- News18
UFC Fight Night, Abu Dhabi: De Ridder, Yan, Magomedov Shine
Last Updated: Reinier de Ridder, Petr Yan and Shara Magomedov shine at UFC Abu Dhabi with thrilling wins, setting up pivotal future matchups. As the Octagon lights illuminated Abu Dhabi's Etihad Arena on July 26, fans were treated to three electrifying contests: Reinier de Ridder's grappling prowess over former champion Robert Whittaker, Petr Yan's surgical dismantling of Marcus McGhee and Shara 'Bullet" Magomedov's bloody rebound against gritty Marc-André Barriault. Razor-thin For de Ridder Robert Whittaker (27-9), former middleweight king revered for pinpoint southpaw boxing, faced undefeated (in UFC) prospect Reinier de Ridder (21-2), a powerhouse grappler with burgeoning striking chops. Rounds 1–2: de Ridder wasted no time showcasing his world-class wrestling. In Round 1, he landed 42 strikes—jabs, knees and low kicks—to back Whittaker against the fence and tally early control time. Whittaker answered with a late head kick but ate punishing body knees in Round 2, surrendering nearly four minutes of top control that sapped his legs. Round 3: Whittaker flipped the script, timing de Ridder's entry and unloading a textbook overhand right that sent the Dutch-Surinamese grappler flailing to the canvas. Despite follow-up ground strikes, de Ridder weathered the storm, locked in two takedowns and secured the round's edge with suffocating half-guard work. Vintage Petr Yan Former bantamweight champ, Petr Yan (19-5), returned from an eight-month layoff to face Marcus McGhee (10-2), a UFC veteran riding a four-fight winning streak with eight knockouts to his name. Round 1: McGhee's volume leg kicks found their mark early, but Yan countered with a stiff jab and straight left that cut McGhee and opened a small eye gash. Yan's head movement and distance control edged the round. Round 2: Yan settled into textbook pressure boxing—checking kicks, snapping jabs and punishing McGhee's entrance attempts. He stifled all three takedowns, landing crisp body-shot combinations that visibly slowed McGhee. Round 3: Confident, Yan mixed in clinch wrestling—securing a body-lock takedown attempt thwarted by McGhee but cemented by multiple knees to the ribs and a scramble trip in the final minute. His unanswered strikes in the closing frame sealed a unanimous 29–28 decision on all official cards. As good as advertised 🫡 @PetrYanUFC gets the Unanimous Decision![ #InAbuDhabi | @InAbuDhabi | @VisitAbuDhabi ] — UFC (@ufc) July 26, 2025 Shara 'Bullet": Blood-Soaked Redemption Rising Russian phenom Shara Magomedov (16-1), rebounding from his first pro defeat to Michael 'Venom" Page in February, squared off with Canadian veteran Marc-André Barriault (17-10), known for a granite chin and patient combos. Round 1: 'Bullet" peppered Barriault's lead leg with calf kicks and swept in side kicks, dictating distance. Barriault's takedown soaked a crisp elbow but netted limited offence. Round 2: Chaos erupted mid-round. Barriault rocked Magomedov with a crushing right hook in the clinch, snapping his nose and unleashing follow-up uppercuts. Yet Magomedov's warrior spirit ignited: he countered with heavy knees to the body and elbows, staggering 'Power Bar" late and reclaiming round control. Round 3: Shaken but undeterred, Magomedov mixed jump knees and spins, then seized a slip-induced takedown. From mount and half-guard, he rained elbows and short strikes until the horn. Judges rewarded his grit and striking variety with a clean 30–27 sweep on all scorecards. He's back in it 🤯 @Shara_Bullet77 closes out Round 2 with momentum![ #UFCAbuDhabi | #InAbuDhabi | @InAbuDhabi | @VisitAbuDhabi ] — UFC (@ufc) July 26, 2025 Future Trajectories: Robert Whittaker (34): A former 185-lb king, Whittaker must rebuild. A confidence-boosting clash against a durable top-10 gatekeeper—such as Hermansson—can restore his trademark boxing and pave a path back to elite status. Reinier de Ridder (34): UFC's grappling juggernaut, de Ridder should chase a marquee middleweight bout—possibly against Adesanya or Strickland—to cement a title-eliminator spot and propel him toward the belt. Petr Yan (32): Yan's combination of surgical striking and lockdown defence secures him as bantamweight royalty. Targeting the Merab vs. Sandhagen winner—or sealing a rematch with O'Malley—will likely earn him a 2025 title tilt. Shara Magomedov (31): 'Bullet's" flair and fortitude demand elevated competition. Squaring off with a seasoned top-10 foe—Marvin Vettori, perhaps—will test his arsenal under fire and fast-track his divisional ascent. UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi truly delivered—de Ridder's grinding grappling, Yan's clinical boxing, and Magomedov's unbreakable spirit. Each victor now sits at a pivotal crossroads, primed for marquee matchups and championship gold. News18 Sports brings you the latest updates, live commentary, and highlights from cricket, football, tennis, badmintion, wwe and more. Catch breaking news, live scores, and in-depth coverage. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : ufc UFC Fight Night UFC News view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 27, 2025, 10:27 IST News sports UFC Fight Night, Abu Dhabi: De Ridder, Yan, Magomedov Shine Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. 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What's On
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
It's official: UFC returns to Abu Dhabi this October with UFC 321
Abu Dhabi is gearing up for another adrenaline fueled night of action as UFC 321 lands at the Etihad Arena on Friday, October 25, promising a blockbuster card packed with elite fighters, championship stakes, and unmissable entertainment. Announced today (Tuesday, July 1), the event forms the centrepiece of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, a city-wide celebration of mixed martial arts and high-energy events. Known for delivering world-class fight cards, legendary UFC moments, and an electric fan atmosphere, Abu Dhabi Showdown Week has become one of the most hotly anticipated fixtures on the global MMA calendar. This year's edition is expected to be no different, with UFC 321 already shaping up to be a must-see. While the fight card is still under wraps, past Abu Dhabi events have brought some of the biggest names in the sport to the Octagon and we're expecting more of the same this year. Abu Dhabi, we're coming! 😤🇦🇪 We'll see YOU for #UFC321 on October 25! 🏆@VisitAbuDhabi | @InAbuDhabi | #InAbuDhabi — UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) July 1, 2025 When do UFC 321 tickets go on sale? General sale opens on Friday, July 25, and fans are encouraged to register their interest early for the best chance to secure seats. Tickets will be available via Etihad Arena and Ticket Master. Want to take your experience up a notch? VIP packages are also available, offering premium seating, exclusive weigh-in access, athlete meet and greets and all-inclusive hospitality. But that's not all… Before UFC 321 lights up the capital in October, fight fans can catch a taste of the action this summer. UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs. Aliskerov will take place at the Etihad Arena on Saturday, July 26. Former middleweight champ Robert Whittaker takes on Reinier de Ridder in what's expected to be an electrifying clash between experience and rising talent. Since 2010, Abu Dhabi has hosted more than 20 UFC events, cementing its place as a true global hub for world-class sports and entertainment. This latest announcement is another major win for the capital and for the legions of fight fans across the region. Stay tuned to for fight card updates, ticket reminders and everything you need to know ahead of UFC 321 this October. Images: Abu Dhabi Media Office > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Khaleej Times
20-03-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
UFC returns to Abu Dhabi for a thrilling fight night in July
UFC, the world's premier mixed martial arts organisation, in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), announced the return of UFC to Abu Dhabi on July 26, Saturday, at the Etihad Arena. UFC returns to Abu Dhabi following two spectacular events in 2024. In October, UFC night featured Spain's Ilia Topuria who defended his featherweight title with a stunning third-round knockout over top contender Max Holloway. In August, fans were treated to an elite bantamweight showdown when Umar Nurmagomedov secured a hard-fought victory over Cory Sandhagen with a five-round decision. With 20 events held in the emirate since 2010, UFC has become a mainstay in the region's sports and entertainment calendar. Through its long-term partnership with DCT Abu Dhabi, UFC continues to bring exciting fight cards featuring top global talents to the UAE capital. With a passionate fan base and state-of-the-art venues, Abu Dhabi has become a global hub for major events. Tickets for the high-profile MMA event will go on sale soon, so fans are encouraged to register their interest early for the best chance to secure tickets via VisitAbuDhabi.
