58 Basic Arabic Words Every Dubai Expat Should Know

Moving to Dubai? It’s always helpful to understand the local culture when moving to any new city, and the best way to do that is by learning their language. Arabic is the main language spoken in Dubai with more than 300 million Arabic speakers in the world. It’s the official language of the 22 countries that form the Arab League who mainly live in the region stretching across the Middle East and North Africa.

Since Arabic is a rich language, it may take you to fully learn it by heart from months to a year of focused study. Here are some phrases you can use for the meantime while you navigate Dubai.

1. Hello
Marhaba

2. How are you?
Kaeefhalak

3. Good morning
Sabah el khair

4. Good evening
Massa el khair

5. Greetings
TaHiat

6. Goodbye
MaAaes-salama

7. Excuse me
MaAzera

8. Sorry
Asef

9. Please
MinFadlak

10. Stop
Tawaqaf

11. Thank you
Shukran-Lak

12. Yes/No
NaAm/La

13. I don’t Know
LaaAref

14. Who?/What?
Maza/Man

15. Where?/Why?
Ayna/Lemaza

16. How much?
Kamath-thaman

17. How much does it cost?
Kam et-taklefa

18. How many?
Kam al Aadad

19. Do you speak English?
halTaTaKalamalanglizia

20. I don’t speak arabic
ana La ataKalam El Aarabya

21. What is your name?
maiSmaK

22. Nice to meet you
sarertuLemuqabalatek

23. My name is…
ismii…

24. How do I get to?
KaeefyomKanany El Hosoolala?

25. Where is…?
Ayna

26. Is this the way to..?
Hal hazahowa et-tareeqela?

27. Can I drive here?
Hal yomkanany El qayadahona

28. I Think I’m lost
Anneemafqood

29. Is it safe/dangerous?
Hal howaaamen/khatar

30. Where can I buy…?
Aynayomkananyshera?

31. Help!
mosaAda

32. I need a doctor
aHtajelaTabib

33. I have a fever
AendeeHuma

34. It hurts
EnahuMoalem

35. The pain is here
Al alamhuna

36. Where is the bathroom?
Ayna Al Hamam

37. Do you have a phone?
Hal Ladikahatef

38. Where is the hospital?
Ayna Al mustashfaa

39. My car has broke down
SayarateeTaAtalat

40. Where is the nearest garage/petrol station
Aynaaqrab Karaj/maHatetbanseen

41. Where is the nearest cash machine?
AynaaqrabSarafaalee

42. I need water/food Can you take me to…?
aHtajelamyahwaTaAamhalTastatiaA An TaaKhoznee Le

43. My friend is hurt or sick
sadeeqeemoTaab/mareed

44. What is the time?
KamAlsaaa

45. Kindly repeat
A Ed min Fadlik

46. What is this?
Shoo Hada?

47. What’s up?
ShoofiMafi?

48. Perfect
Tamaam

49. Come tomorrow
TaalBukra

50. See You Tomorrow
AshoofookBukra

51. It is normal.
Aadhi

52. Get Me Some Tea or Can I Have Some Tea Please?
JebliShai

53. Call Me or Talk To Me
Kallemni

54. I Want To Know
AreedAreef

55. Can I Help You?
MumkenAsaduq

56. Of Course
Tabaan
57. I Have.
Andi

58. How much is the rent?
Kam Al Ijara

Do you know any other commonly used Arabic phrases to add to the list? Share them below.