Arabic word of the week: How 'waha' became a symbol of hope and refuge
In the vast desert landscapes of the Arabian Peninsula, the sight of greenery has long brought a sense of relief. For centuries, these fertile places have provided travellers with shelter, communities with sustenance and settlements with the means to survive. Our Arabic word of the week , waha, meaning oasis, describes an area in a desert where water allows vegetation to flourish. Its plural is…
This week's Arabic word focuses on the meaning of oasis, or "waha" in Arabic. Historically, these fertile spots in the harsh desert provided vital resources for travelers, allowing communities to thrive. In the United Arab Emirates, Al Ain, known as "the spring", boasts several ancient oases recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their innovative irrigation systems.
Today, the Al Ain Oasis is a popular tourist destination with its 147,000 date palms. Further west, Liwa Oasis serves as a gateway to the Empty Quarter, with plans for a railway station to boost tourism. Saudi Arabia's Al Ahsa holds the record for the largest self-contained oasis, with over 2.5 million date palms, featuring in the 1962 film Lawrence of Arabia.
Figuratively, "waha" symbolizes emotional refuge, with expressions like "oasis of tranquillity" and "oasis of hope." The word's association with refreshment has also made it commercially appealing, as seen in the Oasis convenience store brand across the UAE. From ancient settlements to modern symbols of comfort, "waha" continues to represent the promise of survival and peace.
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