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THE KNOWLEDGE
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GRAPESHISHA DEFINITIONS
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Habibi - This popular arabic term can be used by both sexes to mean “my beloved” “my darling” or “my sweetheart”. It can also be used between males to make reference to their male friends i.e. “ buddy” or “mate” and used by parents to address their children. Wyclef Jean mentioned the word Habibi in his song Party to Damascus, which was probably the first time that the word was mentioned in a western song.
Habibti - Used in the same way as habibi to address friends, however habibti is used amongst females.
Hajar - The Hajar or Al Hajar mountains are the stoney mountains between the UAE and Oman.
Halal - In Arabic, this term means lawful or allowed. It is commonly referred to meat slaughtered in the correct manner according to Islamic principles.
Halawa - This is an ancient old recipe derived from the Egyptians for hair removal. It is a caramelized mixture of water, sugar and lemon juice brought to a sticky mixture and used as wax to remove unwanted body hair. It so common in Arab countries – you will find most salons using this mixture rather than regular body wax. It even works for most sensitive skins and leaves the skin so soft (and sweet!)
Halwa - A sweet tahini or semlina based delicacy from the East and Middle East, usually containing nuts.
Hamala - A town in Bahrain.
Haram - This Arabic term is the opposite of Halal therefore food and drink which is not permissible in Islam.
Hatta - A small town cradled at the bottom of the Hajjar mountains, Hatta is part of the emirate of Dubai and is about an hour’s drive from Dubai city. Hatta is a quiet town and not very much to see and do, however it can be a nice weekend break for those living in Dubai who want to get away from the horrendous traffic and construction noise. There is a Heritage village between the two watchtowers and a several old houses have been renovated into shops. The Hatta Fort Hotel offers big bungalow type rooms equipped with luxury and fantastic sporting facilities placed in a lovely garden setting with the mountains as a backdrop. For the more adventurous, the ‘Big Red’ sand dune estimated at over 100m high can be a great place to bring your 4WD for dune bashing or sand skiing although it can get really busy over the weekends. The Hatta pools which are more toward the Omani border, are great for day visitors and picnickers.
Hawala - Hawala is a remittance system that predates the current banking system. The biggest areas of use are between Dubai, India and Pakistan. It works on a basis of trust, so that someone in Dubai can speak to a hawaladar to get money to someone in India, for example. Instead of actually transferring the money, the hawaladar in Dubai knows another Hawaladar in India who would pay the intended recipient. The transaction is speedier and cheaper although is difficult to regulate. Although it is not necessarily illegal, there is an association that hawala is used to money launder.
Hijab - Arabic meaning to cover, shelter or screen.
Hotels - Dubai is home to some of the most exquisite hotels in the world with many having heard of the legendary Burj-al-Arab. In Abu Dhabi the Emirates Palace is said to be the most expensive hotel ever made.
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Typical Salaries in the UAE
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Dubai Recrutiment Agencies
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Cost of Living in Dubai and the UAE
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Guide to UAE Blogs
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The Classifieds
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Islamic Finance
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