Al Dabbahah is not a mythical creature in the literal sense but a real animal that has lived in the UAE for a long time. People know it well but fear it, regarding it as an omen of misfortune and evil. Despite its small size, its abilities were believed to exceed human expectations. The most common name is Al Dabbahah, derived from its cry, dabh. People say, “Al Dabbahah tadbah,” meaning that the creature makes this particular call. Arabic dictionaries also use Al Tha'lab Al Dabbah, the “crying fox,” as a description based on its sound. Among Bedouin communities in the UAE, it is widely known as Al Qa'ashah, and they explain the name in a similar manner, saying that it is called Qa'ashah because it taq'ash, again describing its cry. Swahili-speaking communities in East Africa call it Angawa. According to the source, it is essentially a mongoose and may also be called a weasel. One day, Al Dabbahah came to a mountain near a neighbourhood in the eastern region of the UAE and began making its call. The people became distressed, and one man grabbed his rifle and swore that he would not return until he had killed it. Others rushed to stop him from undertaking such a dangerous act, but without success. The man went to the mountain where Al Dabbahah had taken refuge and began searching here and there. The people then heard gunshots, after which the creature fell silent. The man returned from the mountain exhausted. Everyone prayed for his safety, but he remained inside his home for three days. When people asked about him, they were told that he had developed a fever. After those three days he died, and people became convinced that his death had been caused by Al Dabbahah.