Djibouti City: The Jewel of the Horn of Africa

• HelloMarhaba
  [mar-ha-ba]
• GoodbyeMa'a salama
  [maa-sa-la-ma]
• YesEey
  [ey]
• NoMaya
  [ma-ya]
• Please/You're welcomeAfwan
  [af-wan]
• Thank youShukran
  [shuk-ran]
• Excuse me/SorrySamahani
  [sa-ma-ha-ni]
• How are you?Kif halak?
  [keef-ha-lak]
• Fine. And you?Mni7. W nt?
  [mni-saba. wa-nit]
• Do you speak English?Bti7ki anglais?
  [bti-hki-an-glais]
• I don't understandAna ma fahmt
  [ana-ma-fa-hamt]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseBghit nshuf lmenu, min fadlik
  [bghit-nshuf-l-menu-min-fad-lik]
• I don't eat meatAna ma koulch lahmi
  [ana-ma-koulch-la-hmi]
• Cheers!Sa7a!
  [sa-ha]
• I would like to pay, pleaseBghit n2addar, min fadlik
  [bghit-n-addar-min-fad-lik]

• Help!3awni!
  [a-wni]
• Go away!Rj3!
  [raj]
• Call the Police!Dkhul ladar!
  [d-khul-la-dar]
• Call a doctor!Dkhul ltabib!
  [d-khul-l-ta-bib]
• I'm lostGhalet
  [gha-let]
• I'm illAna mrid
  [ana-m-rid]

• I'd like to buy...Bghit nchri...
  [bghit-n-chri]
• I'm just lookingAna fayta
  [ana-fay-ta]
• How much is it?Ch7al?
  [sh-hal]
• That's too expensiveHadak ghali bzzaf
  [ha-dak-gha-li-bzza-f]
• Can you lower the price?Wach t3ti7 l9ima?
  [wa-ch-ti-hti-l-ki-ma]

• What time is it?Ch7al lwa9t?
  [sh-hal-l-wa9t]
• It's one o'clockSaa wahda
  [saa-wa-hda]
• Half past (10)3la 10 w nos
  [a-la-ashara-w-nos]
• MorningSbah
  [s-bah]
• AfternoonDhor
  [d-hor]
• Evening3sha
  [a-sha]
• Yesterday9bal
  [9-bal]
• TodayLyawm
  [l-yawm]
• TomorrowGhadan
  [gha-dan]
• 1Wa7ed
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• 2Jouj
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• 3Tleta
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• 4Arba3
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• 5Khamsa
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• 6Setta
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• 7Sabe3
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• 8Tamania
  [ta-ma-ni-a]
• 9Tis3a
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• 103achra
  [a-chra]

• Where's a/the...?Fein ...?
  [fein]
• What's the address?Sh7al l3nwan?
  [sh-hal-l-3n-wan]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Wach t3ti9ni (3la lkhareeta)?
  [wa-ch-ti-h-ti-9ni-3la-l-kha-ree-ta]
• When's the next (bus)?Wa9tach yji lbus?
  [wa9-ta-ch-y-ji-l-bus]
• A ticket (to ....)Tikita (l...)
  [ti-ki-ta-l]

Djibouti City's history can be traced back thousands of years, with evidence of human settlements dating to the Neolithic period. The region was home to the Afar people, who have lived in the area for centuries. These early inhabitants engaged in trade, utilizing their strategic location along the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

From the 7th century onwards, Islam began to spread throughout the Horn of Africa, including Djibouti. The city became a vital trading post for merchants from Arabia, Persia, and India. Its coastal location made it a bustling hub for the exchange of goods such as spices, textiles, and precious metals.

In 1862, France signed treaties with the local sultans, marking the beginning of French colonial influence in the region. By 1888, Djibouti City was founded by the French as the capital of French Somaliland. The city rapidly developed due to its strategic importance as a gateway to the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.

One of the most significant historical events for Djibouti City was the construction of the Ethio-Djibouti Railway. Completed in 1917, this railway connected Djibouti City to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It played a crucial role in the economic and social development of the city, facilitating the movement of goods and people between the two countries.

During World War II, Djibouti City’s strategic location made it a focal point for military operations. The city was occupied by Italian forces in 1940 but was reclaimed by the Free French Forces in 1942. The port and railway were essential for Allied logistics and supply routes during the war.

The push for independence gained momentum in the mid-20th century. Djibouti City played a central role in the political activities leading up to Djibouti's independence from France. On June 27, 1977, Djibouti officially became an independent nation, and Djibouti City was declared its capital.

Since independence, Djibouti City has undergone significant development. The city’s port remains a critical asset, serving as a major transshipment hub in the region. Investments in infrastructure, including new roads, buildings, and technology, have transformed Djibouti City into a modern urban center while retaining its unique cultural heritage.

Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport (JIB) is the primary gateway to Djibouti City. It is well-connected with flights from major cities including Paris, Dubai, and Istanbul. From the airport, you can take a taxi or arrange for a hotel transfer to reach the city center, which is approximately 10 minutes away by car.

Djibouti City offers various modes of transportation. Taxis are widely available and are the most convenient way to get around. For short distances, you can also use 'bajaj' (three-wheeled vehicles). Public buses operate on fixed routes and are an economical option, though they can be crowded. Car rentals are available but driving conditions can be challenging due to local traffic norms.

The official currency of Djibouti is the Djiboutian Franc (DJF). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels, restaurants, and some shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller transactions. ATMs are available in Djibouti City, but they may not always be reliable, so withdrawing enough cash beforehand is recommended.

Djibouti City is relatively safe for tourists, but caution is advised. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in less-populated areas like Quartier 7 and Quartier 6. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded places. Always secure your belongings and stay alert.

In case of emergency, dial 17 for police assistance and 18 for medical emergencies. The main hospital in Djibouti City is Peltier General Hospital. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly. Lightweight, long-sleeved clothing is recommended to respect local customs and protect against the sun. Religion: Do respect Islamic traditions. Avoid eating or drinking in public during Ramadan. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a slight bow. Avoid direct eye contact with the opposite gender. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings politely. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered disrespectful.

To experience Djibouti City like a local, visit the Central Market for fresh produce and local crafts. Spend time at the fishing harbor to see the daily catch and interact with fishermen. Enjoy a traditional meal at local eateries like 'La Chaumière'. For a unique experience, take a boat trip to Moucha Island for snorkeling and diving.