Al Daayen

Al Daayen (Arabic: الضعاين [ALA-LC: al-Ḍaʻāyin; Wehr: aḍ-ḍaʿāyin]; also spelled as الظعاين [ALA-LC: al-Ẓaʻāyin; Wehr: aẓ-ẓaʿāyin]) is a municipality in Qatar. Most of the urban landscape can be found in the southern zone of the municipality, particularly in the city of Lusail, while the northern and central sections are primarily rural. It is one of the fastest growing municipalities in Qatar due to its close proximity to the capital Doha. Umm Qarn hosts the municipal office and serves as the municipality's administrative seat. Al Daayen Municipality is named after the village of the same name. Two theories are offered for the name. According to the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, the village derives its name from the Arabic word dhaayen, which roughly translates to "travel". It was given this name in reference to the Qatari tribes who abandoned the village and traveled elsewhere in search of water and suitable pasture. The second theory, given in the Encyclopedia of Qatari Information, states that the name is derived from an Arabic term used to denote a place for camels to rest. The demographic and urban growth of the country over recent years necessitated the creation of Al Daayen Municipality.