Dire Dawa: Ethiopia's Gateway to Culture and Commerce

• HelloSelam
  [seh-lahm]
• GoodbyeHabisha
  [ha-bee-shah]
• YesEyye
  [eh-yeh]
• NoAy
  [ah-ee]
• Please/You're welcomeMinamin
  [mee-nah-meen]
• Thank youAmeseginalehu
  [ah-meh-seh-gee-nah-leh-hoo]
• Excuse me/SorrySamay
  [sah-mai]
• How are you?Aga bekalu?
  [ah-gah beh-kah-loo]
• Fine. And you?Aga bekalu. Ageru?
  [ah-gah beh-kah-loo. ah-geh-roo]
• Do you speak English?Inglizegna beza?
  [in-glee-zehg-nah beh-zah]
• I don't understandFahamishalalu
  [fah-hah-mee-shah-lah-loo]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenu yetebabkutal
  [meh-noo yeh-teh-bahb-koo-tahl]
• I don't eat meatTibsat asamugn
  [tee-bah-saht ah-sah-mug-n]
• Cheers!Chin-chin!
  [cheen-cheen]
• I would like to pay, pleaseTinsae yetemsele
  [teen-sah-eh yeh-tehm-seh-leh]

• Help!Bal!
  [bah-l]
• Go away!Lesso!
  [leh-so]
• Call the Police!Polis yemot!
  [poh-lees yeh-moht]
• Call a doctor!Doktor yemot!
  [dohk-tohr yeh-moht]
• I'm lostZaralehu
  [zah-rah-leh-hoo]
• I'm illAreba
  [ah-reh-bah]

• I'd like to buy...Tena yetesabet...
  [teh-nah yeh-teh-sah-beht...]
• I'm just lookingTinish lekem
  [tee-neesh leh-kehm]
• How much is it?Kedame ati man?
  [keh-dah-meh ah-tee mahn]
• That's too expensiveAgeru sira
  [ah-geh-roo see-rah]
• Can you lower the price?Gebena menesat?
  [geh-beh-nah meh-neh-saht]

• What time is it?Yefera ena?
  [yeh-feh-rah eh-nah]
• It's one o'clockAnd ena zetena
  [ah-nd eh-nah zeh-teh-nah]
• Half past (10)Miriya (assera)
  [mee-ree-yah (ahs-sah-rah)]
• MorningBikid
  [bee-keed]
• AfternoonMenen
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• EveningSefar
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• YesterdayDoksa
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• TodayNen
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• TomorrowBalcha
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• 1And
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• 2Hulet
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• 3Sost
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• 4Arat
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• 5Amist
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• 6Sidist
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• 7Sebat
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• 8Semen
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• 9Zetegn
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• 10Asra
  [ahs-rah]

• Where's a/the...?Ay zeyne...?
  [ah-y zeh-yeh-nay]
• What's the address?Aye adres?
  [ah-yeh ah-drehs]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Belejochi mesle?
  [beh-leh-joh-chee meh-sleh]
• When's the next (bus)?Lemedyat sewet?
  [leh-mehd-yat seh-wet]
• A ticket (to ....)Tikiti (le ....)
  [tee-kee-tee (leh ....)]

Dire Dawa was established in 1902 as a critical railway hub connecting the port of Djibouti to Addis Ababa. The city's creation was driven by the need for a more efficient transportation route, bypassing the difficult terrain that made overland travel challenging.

The Ethio-Djibouti Railway played a central role in the early 20th century, transforming Dire Dawa into a vibrant commercial center. The railway's construction brought a mix of cultures and peoples, contributing to the city's rich cultural tapestry.

During the Second Italo-Ethiopian War (1935-1941), Dire Dawa was occupied by Italian forces. The city served as a strategic military base and saw significant infrastructural developments during this period, including road construction and the establishment of administrative buildings.

After World War II, Dire Dawa continued to grow as a key economic hub. The city saw increased industrial activity, including the establishment of textile and cement factories. This period marked a significant transformation in the city's economic landscape.

Dire Dawa is renowned for its cultural diversity, home to a mix of ethnic groups including the Oromo, Somali, Amhara, and Harari. This diversity is reflected in the city's architecture, cuisine, and vibrant festivals, such as Ashura and Meskel.

The city is divided into two distinct areas: the Old Town (Megala) and the modern Kezira. The Old Town, characterized by its narrow streets and traditional markets, contrasts with the more planned and European-influenced Kezira, providing a glimpse into the city's historical evolution.

Today, Dire Dawa is an important commercial and industrial center in Ethiopia. The Dire Dawa Free Trade Zone, established in the early 21st century, has further boosted the city's economic significance, attracting businesses and investments from across the region.

Dire Dawa is accessible via Dire Dawa International Airport (DIR), which has regular flights from Addis Ababa and other regional hubs. Alternatively, you can take a train from Addis Ababa to Dire Dawa, which offers a scenic route and takes approximately 12 hours. Long-distance buses and minibuses (known as 'matatus') also operate routes between Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa, with the journey typically taking around 8 to 10 hours.

Within Dire Dawa, local taxis and bajajs (three-wheeled vehicles) are the most common modes of transportation. They are relatively inexpensive and can be hailed on the street. Public minibuses also operate on fixed routes and are a budget-friendly option. For those looking to explore surrounding areas, renting a car with a driver is advisable due to local road conditions and traffic norms.

The official currency in Ethiopia is the Ethiopian Birr (ETB). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and some restaurants, but cash is preferred in local markets and smaller establishments. ATMs are available in Dire Dawa, but it is advisable to carry sufficient cash, especially if you plan to visit rural areas. Currency exchange services are available at banks and authorized exchange bureaus.

Dire Dawa is generally safe for tourists, but it is wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and be cautious with your belongings in crowded places. Areas such as Kezira Market and certain parts of the old town can be bustling, so stay vigilant. It is advisable to stick to well-lit and populated areas after dark.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Dire Dawa. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. The main hospital in Dire Dawa is Dil Chora Hospital, which provides emergency services.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes before entering a mosque. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Dire Dawa like a local, visit the Dire Dawa market, also known as the 'Taiwan Market,' where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Ethiopian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the old railway station, which is a significant historical landmark. For a unique experience, take a stroll through the French-built quarter to see colonial architecture.