Raml is the Arabic word for sand
Raml is the Arabic word for sand
Raml is the Arabic word for sand
Raml is the Arabic word for sand

'Raml': Arabic word for sand flows with poetic connotations


Razmig Bedirian
  • English
  • Arabic

The Arabic word for sand is rich with poetry, divinations and timeless advice.

Raml (sand) is made up of fine minerals (ma’aden). It is finer than gravel (hassa) and larger than silt (altamy or alghareen). In singular form, raml becomes ramla, whereas rimal is its plural derivative. The word sandy, meanwhile, translates as ramly. A grain of sand is habat raml.

There are several classifications of sands based on grain size, including: raml al na’em (fine sand); raml al mutawasset (medium sand) and raml al kheshn (coarse sand).

Kuthban ramliyya are dunes. A single dune is known as kathib.

When someone tumbles or becomes bogged down in the sands, literally or metaphorically, you could say ta’athara fil rimal. On the other hand, ramala could be used when a person rushes to accomplish a particular task, without much attention to detail.

Darb al raml is an antiquated custom of projecting the future, and assuming the unknown, by interpreting lines and shapes in the sand. The term was also the title of a trilogy by Saudi novelist Muhammad Al Muzaini that followed the transformations in Saudi society in the second half of the 20th century. The novels were adapted into a television series in 2020.

Kuthban ramliya are sand dunes; a single dune is known as kathib. Getty Images
Kuthban ramliya are sand dunes; a single dune is known as kathib. Getty Images

Raml al demagh, or brain sand, refers to the calcified forms in the pineal gland.

Rimal al mutaharrika is quicksand. Sa’at al raml is an hourglass. Hajar ramli is sandstone. Raml al shu’ab al marjaniyya are coral sands.

Mala’ab raml, meanwhile, refers to a sandy playground. Qal’at raml is a sandcastle and rimal al shaate’a is the sand on a beach, which is also known as rimal almaghsula (washed sands) or rimal fiddiyya (silver sands). On that same note, the Arabian Gulf is known for its golden sands, or rimal dhahabiyya.

Raml is also one of 16 buhoor alshe'er (literally, the seas of poetry), which is a term used to classify a group of iambic meters. Al Khalil ibn Ahmad Al Farahidi, an eighth-century philologist and grammarian known as the Genius of Arabic Language, is credited as the developer of the classification. Besides his work in developing the study of prosody and poetic meter, Al Farahidi was also the scholar who penned the first dictionary of the Arabic language and introduced the harakat system.

Finally, an old proverb that beckons the sands for sound advice: Iaa’al khatawatuka fil khair kaman yamshi a’la al rimal, la yusma’ sawtuhu walaakin atharahu waadeh.

Perform your good deeds like footsteps in the sand, inaudible but with clear traces.

  • Hob is the Arabic word for love, but can be used in many contexts
    Hob is the Arabic word for love, but can be used in many contexts
  • The Arabic word helu translates, in English, to sweet
    The Arabic word helu translates, in English, to sweet
  • Nashef is the Arabic word for dry, but has many connotations, depending on the context in which you use it
    Nashef is the Arabic word for dry, but has many connotations, depending on the context in which you use it
  • The Arabic word hurriyeh translates to freedom in English
    The Arabic word hurriyeh translates to freedom in English
  • The Arabic word tayeb can mean delicious or good, depending on the context
    The Arabic word tayeb can mean delicious or good, depending on the context
  • The Arabic word mustaqbal is best expressed as future in English
    The Arabic word mustaqbal is best expressed as future in English
  • Waqaa, the Arabic word for fall, can signify a loss of power, stature, health or grace
    Waqaa, the Arabic word for fall, can signify a loss of power, stature, health or grace
  • Hudood means borders in English
    Hudood means borders in English
  • The Arabic word rooh translates to spirit or soul in English
    The Arabic word rooh translates to spirit or soul in English
  • The Arabic word ain means eye in English
    The Arabic word ain means eye in English
  • Waraq, the Arabic word of the week means paper in English
    Waraq, the Arabic word of the week means paper in English
  • Bahr, the Arabic for sea, has a poetic lilt
    Bahr, the Arabic for sea, has a poetic lilt
  • Kareem means generous in English
    Kareem means generous in English
  • Bab means door in English
    Bab means door in English
  • Eid means holiday or festival
    Eid means holiday or festival
  • Najm means star for the night sky and cosmos, but also has plenty of other meanings, including ambition or fame
    Najm means star for the night sky and cosmos, but also has plenty of other meanings, including ambition or fame
  • Alwan, the Arabic word for colours, has many shades of meaning
    Alwan, the Arabic word for colours, has many shades of meaning
  • Akel can refer to home-cooked meals, embezzlement, fire and rust
    Akel can refer to home-cooked meals, embezzlement, fire and rust
  • Jamal is the Arabic word for beauty, be it literal or figurative
    Jamal is the Arabic word for beauty, be it literal or figurative
  • Herfe translates to profession or craft
    Herfe translates to profession or craft
  • Tabiaa translates to nature and can frame landscapes and portraits
    Tabiaa translates to nature and can frame landscapes and portraits
  • Sehha is the Arabic word for health
    Sehha is the Arabic word for health
  • Ijaza is Arabic for holiday and shines in summer but is not stress-free
    Ijaza is Arabic for holiday and shines in summer but is not stress-free
  • Aamal is the Arabic word for work
    Aamal is the Arabic word for work
  • Al dahr translates to time
    Al dahr translates to time
  • Qalb is a word for heart, with poetic roots
    Qalb is a word for heart, with poetic roots
  • Lugha in Arabic translates to language in English
    Lugha in Arabic translates to language in English
  • Insaan means human being
    Insaan means human being
  • Na'eeman is an idiomatic expression used when someone has had a shower or bath, a haircut or had their beard trimmed
    Na'eeman is an idiomatic expression used when someone has had a shower or bath, a haircut or had their beard trimmed
  • The Arabic word for life touches on eternity, death and accomplishment
    The Arabic word for life touches on eternity, death and accomplishment
  • Qamar is the Arabic for moon
    Qamar is the Arabic for moon
  • The Arabic word for strength or power is quwwa
    The Arabic word for strength or power is quwwa
  • Burj is Arabic for tower
    Burj is Arabic for tower
  • The Arabic word for sun is shams
    The Arabic word for sun is shams
  • Sabr in English can translate to patience
    Sabr in English can translate to patience
  • Hayba is the Arabic word for prestige
    Hayba is the Arabic word for prestige
  • The Arabic term al shay'e translates as 'the thing' in English
    The Arabic term al shay'e translates as 'the thing' in English
  • The Arabic word for road is tareeq
    The Arabic word for road is tareeq
  • The Arabic word for read has mystical and scholarly connotations
    The Arabic word for read has mystical and scholarly connotations
  • Istikan is the Arabic word for a type of tea cup
    Istikan is the Arabic word for a type of tea cup
  • The Arabic word hanan means affection in English
    The Arabic word hanan means affection in English
  • The Arabic word atlal means ruins in English
    The Arabic word atlal means ruins in English
  • Kura is the Arabic word for ball, in all its forms
    Kura is the Arabic word for ball, in all its forms
  • Janaah in Arabic means wing in English
    Janaah in Arabic means wing in English
  • The Arabic word sana translates to year in English
    The Arabic word sana translates to year in English
  • Qasida is the Arabic for poem, not poetry
    Qasida is the Arabic for poem, not poetry
  • Ameer, the Arabic word for prince, which influenced another English title
    Ameer, the Arabic word for prince, which influenced another English title
  • Nakhla translates to palm tree in English
    Nakhla translates to palm tree in English
  • Al samt is the Arabic for silence
    Al samt is the Arabic for silence
  • Kalimaat translates to words in English
    Kalimaat translates to words in English
  • Markaz is Arabic for centre
    Markaz is Arabic for centre
  • Beshara is the Arabic word for good news
    Beshara is the Arabic word for good news
  • Bayt is the Arabic for house or home
    Bayt is the Arabic for house or home
  • Fann is the Arabic word for art, and can be either a verb or an adjective
    Fann is the Arabic word for art, and can be either a verb or an adjective
  • Isim, which means name, is made up of three letters, alif, seen and meem
    Isim, which means name, is made up of three letters, alif, seen and meem
  • Dunya is the Arabic word for world
    Dunya is the Arabic word for world
  • Nazaafah translates to cleanliness in English
    Nazaafah translates to cleanliness in English
  • Many traditions revolve around drinking coffee, including weddings, funerals and business meetings
    Many traditions revolve around drinking coffee, including weddings, funerals and business meetings
  • Fajr is the Arabic word for dawn
    Fajr is the Arabic word for dawn
  • Maghrib is the Arabic word for sunset
    Maghrib is the Arabic word for sunset
  • The Arabic language is filled with idioms, quotes and colloquial quips involving the mirror
    The Arabic language is filled with idioms, quotes and colloquial quips involving the mirror
  • Raei is the Arabic word for opinion
    Raei is the Arabic word for opinion
  • Wa'ed is a multifaceted word for 'promise', as well as a female name
    Wa'ed is a multifaceted word for 'promise', as well as a female name
  • Qussa is the Arabic word for story
    Qussa is the Arabic word for story
  • Sadaaka is the Arabic word for friendship
    Sadaaka is the Arabic word for friendship
  • Akhbaar is the Arabic word for news
    Akhbaar is the Arabic word for news
  • Rasem is made up of the three Arabic letters Rah, Seen and Meem. While it can simply mean a drawing or a sketch it’s also a malleable word whose definition can change depending on context and dialect – particularly between colloquial and classical Arabic.
    Rasem is made up of the three Arabic letters Rah, Seen and Meem. While it can simply mean a drawing or a sketch it’s also a malleable word whose definition can change depending on context and dialect – particularly between colloquial and classical Arabic.
  • As well as finishing a task, khatem denotes a deeper sense of finality
    As well as finishing a task, khatem denotes a deeper sense of finality
  • Commonly translated to blessed, mubarak is used as a popular greeting on auspicious days
    Commonly translated to blessed, mubarak is used as a popular greeting on auspicious days
  • The Arabic word for lighthouse is also a term that has become closely associated with Islam
    The Arabic word for lighthouse is also a term that has become closely associated with Islam
  • Siyaam, the Arabic word for fasting is also connected to silence
    Siyaam, the Arabic word for fasting is also connected to silence
  • Tawbah, the Arabic word for repentance, is also connected to Ramadan
    Tawbah, the Arabic word for repentance, is also connected to Ramadan
  • Safar, the Arabic Word for travel can also refer to sunny days, a brighter-blazing fire or exile. The National
    Safar, the Arabic Word for travel can also refer to sunny days, a brighter-blazing fire or exile. The National
Look%20Both%20Ways
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Wanuri%20Kahiu%3Cbr%3EStars%3A%20Lili%20Reinhart%2C%20Danny%20Ramirez%2C%20David%20Corenswet%2C%20Luke%20Wilson%2C%20Nia%20Long%3Cbr%3ERating%3A%203%2F5%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
MANDOOB
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Ali%20Kalthami%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%20Mohammed%20Dokhei%2C%20Sarah%20Taibah%2C%20Hajar%20Alshammari%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Squid Game season two

Director: Hwang Dong-hyuk 

Stars:  Lee Jung-jae, Wi Ha-joon and Lee Byung-hun

Rating: 4.5/5

SPECS

Engine: Two-litre four-cylinder turbo
Power: 235hp
Torque: 350Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Price: From Dh167,500 ($45,000)
On sale: Now

Spain drain

CONVICTED

Lionel Messi Found guilty in 2016 of of using companies in Belize, Britain, Switzerland and Uruguay to avoid paying €4.1m in taxes on income earned from image rights. Sentenced to 21 months in jail and fined more than €2m. But prison sentence has since been replaced by another fine of €252,000.

Javier Mascherano Accepted one-year suspended sentence in January 2016 for tax fraud after found guilty of failing to pay €1.5m in taxes for 2011 and 2012. Unlike Messi he avoided trial by admitting to tax evasion.

Angel di Maria Argentina and Paris Saint-Germain star Angel di Maria was fined and given a 16-month prison sentence for tax fraud during his time at Real Madrid. But he is unlikely to go to prison as is normal in Spain for first offences for non-violent crimes carrying sentence of less than two years.

 

SUSPECTED

Cristiano Ronaldo Real Madrid's star striker, accused of evading €14.7m in taxes, appears in court on Monday. Portuguese star faces four charges of fraud through offshore companies.

Jose Mourinho Manchester United manager accused of evading €3.3m in tax in 2011 and 2012, during time in charge at Real Madrid. But Gestifute, which represents him, says he has already settled matter with Spanish tax authorities.

Samuel Eto'o In November 2016, Spanish prosecutors sought jail sentence of 10 years and fines totalling €18m for Cameroonian, accused of failing to pay €3.9m in taxes during time at Barcelona from 2004 to 2009.

Radamel Falcao Colombian striker Falcao suspected of failing to correctly declare €7.4m of income earned from image rights between 2012 and 2013 while at Atletico Madrid. He has since paid €8.2m to Spanish tax authorities, a sum that includes interest on the original amount.

Jorge Mendes Portuguese super-agent put under official investigation last month by Spanish court investigating alleged tax evasion by Falcao, a client of his. He defended himself, telling closed-door hearing he "never" advised players in tax matters.

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EKinetic%207%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202018%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Rick%20Parish%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Abu%20Dhabi%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Clean%20cooking%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%2410%20million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Self-funded%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Our legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

A timeline of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language
  • 2018: Formal work begins
  • November 2021: First 17 volumes launched 
  • November 2022: Additional 19 volumes released
  • October 2023: Another 31 volumes released
  • November 2024: All 127 volumes completed
MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League final:

Who: Real Madrid v Liverpool
Where: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine
When: Saturday, May 26, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match on BeIN Sports

Dhadak 2

Director: Shazia Iqbal

Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri 

Rating: 1/5

Global state-owned investor ranking by size

1.

United States

2.

China

3.

UAE

4.

Japan

5

Norway

6.

Canada

7.

Singapore

8.

Australia

9.

Saudi Arabia

10.

South Korea

Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

Price: From Dh1,700,000

Available: Now

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Clinicy%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202017%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Prince%20Mohammed%20Bin%20Abdulrahman%2C%20Abdullah%20bin%20Sulaiman%20Alobaid%20and%20Saud%20bin%20Sulaiman%20Alobaid%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Riyadh%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2025%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20HealthTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETotal%20funding%20raised%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20More%20than%20%2410%20million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Middle%20East%20Venture%20Partners%2C%20Gate%20Capital%2C%20Kafou%20Group%20and%20Fadeed%20Investment%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs

Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six

Power: 650hp at 6,750rpm

Torque: 800Nm from 2,500-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto

Fuel consumption: 11.12L/100km

Price: From Dh796,600

On sale: now

Updated: September 08, 2023, 6:02 PM