The Arabic origin of admiral

Does admiral derive from an Arabic term for a sea commander?

Admiral is traced to amir of the sea, with a brief comparison to the older wording of a Dutch naval rank.

Admiral is traced to the Arabic expression amir of the sea. This is offered in response to the suggested translation sea general. A Dutch rear-admiral title is then compared through its rendering as sheriff by night. The short exchange illustrates how rank names retain older language and meanings.