sheikhs

Gulf tribal heads

Sheikhs is the plural of sheikh, an Arab leader or elder—typically the head of a tribe, village, or family.

The title also applies to Islamic religious scholars and teachers.

In Western usage, sheikh sometimes evokes the stereotype of a wealthy Arab oil magnate: The sheikhs arrived in their private jets.

leadership

rulers

Measuring straightedges; sovereigns

emirsArab royal leaders
tribal chiefsLeaders of indigenous groups
eldersSenior community members

authority · governance · succession · dynasty · power · council · decree · allegiance · lineage · clan

gulf

petroleum

Natural underground hydrocarbon liquid

wealthAbundance of valuable resources
palacesGrand royal residences
DubaiPersian Gulf emirate

Abu Dhabi · Qatar · opulence · investment · skyscrapers · luxury · royal family · oil barons · development · modernization

tribal

Bedouin

Middle Eastern nomadic herder

nomadsUnsettled, roving people
tentsPortable fabric shelters
hospitalityGenerous treatment of guests

camels · desert · clan · kinship · customs · honor · mediation · grazing rights · encampment · traditions

religion

scholars

Experts in a field

imamsMuslim prayer leaders
IslamicOf the Muslim religion
spiritualRelating to the soul

mosque · teachings · fatwas · jurisprudence · wisdom · piety · sermons · disciples · Quran · hadith

Categories

Middle EastIraq, Baghdad, Cairo, Iran, Jordan
authorityleaders, ruler, rulers, monarch, bosses
malesmen, boys, guys, lads, dudes
notablesleaders, celebrities, dignitary, rulers, VIPs
Bedouinsnomads, camels, tents, desert life, tribes
African Islamimams, mosques, madrasas, Timbuktu, Sokoto Caliphate

Opposites

social rank/status

sheikhscommoners

Ordinary citizens, untitled

peasants · common people · serfs · slaves · common folk

religious/spiritual authority

sheikhslaymen

Those lacking specialized knowledge

laity · followers · novices · disciples · students

Phrases

Iron SheikIranian professional wrestler

Family

sheikh, sheik, sheikhdom, sheiks, sheikdom

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G