A shi'b in Arabic is a "gorge" or "canyon" for a usually (stationary or temporary) dry river. Placenames using the word are common in the Arabic peninsula.

Saudi Arabia Shi‘b adh Dhi’b Ash Shi`b Shi`b `amir

Yemen Ash Shiʽb al-Aswad Shiʽb an-Nur Shiʿb Hūd