The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been one of the hottest destinations for global expats for years now—and it isn’t just because of the weather. In fact, the number of expatriates living here far outweighs the local population, creating a uniquely cosmopolitan environment.
So, it’s no surprise that you can get through almost every aspect of daily life speaking only English. But at Remitly, we’re all about respecting, enjoying, and exploring other cultures. And if you want to do that in the UAE, you need to speak a little bit of Arabic.
In this article, we’ll go over practical Arabic phrases for daily life in the UAE, including some you can use for greetings, shopping, dining out, and getting around. We’ll also cover how to correctly incorporate these essential Arabic phrases to build connections, foster goodwill, and make day-to-day interactions much smoother.
Why learn Arabic in the UAE?
Arabic is spoken in over 20 countries around the world, including the UAE. It’s known as one of the hardest languages for English speakers to learn, mainly because it uses completely different grammar, pronunciation, and script. But the UAE’s international culture means you don’t need to become fluent. Learning just a few essential Arabic phrases shows effort, which your hosts will appreciate.
Embrace local culture
Non-Arabic speakers are common in the social fabric of the UAE, from people working for international companies to short-term visitors on vacation.
So, why learn basic Arabic in the UAE when you can get by without it?
Visiting another country is a lot like being a guest in someone’s home. By embracing the local language, you’re showing that you recognize the country has its own history and culture—and that you respect it.
Connect deeply with locals
In addition, you’ll usually get a warmer, more welcoming reaction when you open with a few Arabic phrases.
Think of it from your own perspective: in your home country, would you like it if people just assumed you spoke a foreign language? Probably not.
Mastering some basic Arabic phrases will help you stand out. You may find that you get better service at local businesses or are more readily accepted into the culture just for trying.
Essential Arabic greetings
First impressions set the tone of any interaction. Being able to start conversations with an Arabic phrase lets people know right away that you’re open to the culture and interested in learning more.
Here are some simple greetings you can use when speaking to local UAE residents:
Marhaba (Hello)
Pronunciation: mar-ha-ba
This casual, friendly greeting is suitable for most informal situations. You can use it with shopkeepers, neighbours, or new acquaintances.
As-salāmu ʿalaykum (Peace be upon you)
Pronunciation: as-sa-laa-moo ah-lay-koom
This is a more traditional and respectful way of saying “hello”, and it’s used across the Arab world and beyond. The customary reply is Wa ʿalaykum as-salām, which literally means “and peace be upon you, too.” It’s the polite way to respond to this greeting.
Kayfa ḥālak? (How are you?)
Pronunciation: kay-fa ha-lak
Arabic is a gendered language, so the phrases you use will vary slightly depending on whether you’re addressing a man or a woman. Kayfa ḥālak? is how you inquire about a man, while when addressing a woman, you use Kayfa ḥālik? (ha-lik). It’s a good way to show politeness and interest in someone’s well-being.
Shukran (Thank you)
Pronunciation: shoo-kran
Thank you is always one of the most important words to learn in any language. It works in both casual and formal settings and shows good manners.
Afwan (You’re welcome)
Pronunciation: af-wan
This is the traditional response when someone thanks you for something. Be aware, though, that in some contexts, it can also mean “excuse me” or “pardon”.
Say greetings like a local
In the UAE, greetings are often accompanied by a smile, a handshake, or sometimes, a light touch on the arm.
Emirati men who know each other well sometimes press their noses together during a greeting, so don’t be alarmed if this happens to you.
Remember, if you’re going to shake hands or touch someone, always use your right hand—never your left.
Phrases for getting around
Exploring the country for yourself is the best way to have a richer experience of the UAE. But speaking Arabic becomes even more critical when you’re away from the popular expat areas.
A few practical phrases can help you while travelling around the country. Try to memorize these phrases in case you need to ask for help:
Hal yumkinuk musa’adati? (Can you help me?)
Pronunciation: hal yum-kee-nook moo-saa-a-da-ti
Wayn al-hafila? (Where is the bus?)
Pronunciation: wayn al-ha-fi-la
Ayna al-ḥammām? (Where is the bathroom?)
Pronunciation: ay-na al-ham-maam
One of the most practical questions to ask, whether you’re in a local market, bus station, or remote village.
Kam al-sāʿa? (What time is it?)
Pronunciation: kam as-saa-a
A helpful phrase when transport schedules aren’t clearly posted, or you want to confirm timing for a bus, ferry, or prayer call.
Tips to navigate the UAE with ease
Speak slowly and clearly so that you can be understood.
Remember, while using these phrases, you may not understand the answer you get. Hand gestures—such as pointing in the direction you want to go—can help, but don’t point directly at anyone, as it’s considered rude.
Also, don’t wave that left hand around.
Shopping and bargaining basics
Shopping in the UAE’s famous bazaars and souks guarantees a true cultural experience. Haggling over price is practically unavoidable, but speaking a few words of Arabic may well help you get a better deal and avoid paying too much in the local currency.
Kam thaman haza? (How much is this?)
Pronunciation: kam tha-man ha-tha
Areed hadhihi/etha (I want this/I want that)
Pronunciation: oo-reed ha-thee-hee / ha-tha
This is useful when pointing to items you want to purchase in a crowded stall.
Hal yumkinuka an ta’ateeni khasm? (Can you offer me a discount?)
Pronunciation: hal yum-kin-uka an ta-ate-ni khosm
Numbers in Arabic
Of course, if you’re going to bargain, you need to know your numbers in Arabic. Save this cheat sheet to your phone or print it out so you have it handy.
| Number | Arabic Numerals | Arabic (Word) | Pronunciation |
| 0 | ٠ | صفر | sifr |
| 1 | ١ | واحد | wa-ḥid |
| 2 | ٢ | اثنان | ith-nān |
| 3 | ٣ | ثلاثة | tha-la-tha |
| 4 | ٤ | أربعة | ar-ba-aa |
| 5 | ٥ | خمسة | kham-sa |
| 6 | ٦ | ستة | sit-ta |
| 7 | ٧ | سبعة | sab-a |
| 8 | ٨ | ثمانية | tha-ma-nee-ya |
| 9 | ٩ | تسعة | tis-a |
| 10 | ١٠ | عشرة | ash-ra |
| 20 | ٢٠ | عشرون | esh-roon |
| 30 | ٣٠ | ثلاثون | tha-la-thoon |
| 40 | ٤٠ | أربعون | ar-ba-oun |
| 50 | ٥٠ | خمسون | kham-soon |
| 60 | ٦٠ | ستون | sit-oon |
| 70 | ٧٠ | سبعون | sab-oon |
| 80 | ٨٠ | ثمانون | tha-ma-noon |
| 90 | ٩٠ | تسعون | tis-oon |
| 100 | ١٠٠ | مائة | mi-a |
Getting the best price
The first price you offered is almost certain to be inflated, sometimes to excessively high levels. Vendors expect you to counter their first price with a low one, and they will come back with something more reasonable.
Remember, bargaining is supposed to be a friendly negotiation, not a fight, so approach it that way.
Keep your tone light and smile, but don’t be afraid to walk away if the price isn’t right. Sometimes, that’s exactly what you need to do to get the best deal.
Dining out in the UAE
No matter where you go in the world, food is a huge part of culture—the UAE is no different. Here, food is about more than sustenance and represents hospitality, generosity, and community. That’s why dishes like machboos are so central to Emirati heritage.
If you’re dining out in the UAE, these phrases can help you avoid the potential pitfalls of restaurant dining:
Menu min fadlak (Menu, please)
Pronunciation: min faḍlak
La ureed laham (I don’t want meat)
Pronunciation: lā urīdu laḥman
Using Arabic in a restaurant can help you get your point across and avoid misunderstandings. It also shows cultural awareness that can often translate into better service.
Social and cultural considerations
Cultural misunderstandings happen. But you can often smooth things over with the right local phrase. Learning just a few words of Arabic may be all you need to show respect to your host country.
La tihati (It’s okay/No worries)
Pronunciation: lā tiḥātī
Use this when small inconveniences happen to reassure the other person.
Asef/Asfa (Sorry)
Pronunciation: aa-sif (male), aa-sfa (female)
Bismillah (In the name of God)
Pronunciation: bis-mil-lāh
You’ll often hear Muslim faithfuls saying this right before meals. Afterward, many will say alḥamdulillāh—praise be to God. It’s fine for non-Muslims to say these phrases, too, as long as you do so respectfully.
Try to avoid eating and drinking in public during Ramadan. As a non-Muslim, you don’t have to participate in the fast, but it’s polite not to flaunt it in front of others who are fasting.
UAE Arabic etiquette: do’s and don’ts
In the UAE, following proper etiquette often gets you much further than knowing the right thing to say. Good manners are deeply ingrained in the culture, rooted in Islamic heritage and the region’s traditional values. This covers everything from greetings to dress code, hospitality, social responsibility, and more.
Following the UAE’s customs for good behaviour is a great way to show respect and avoid offense. It also encourages positive interactions while helping you cultivate good relationships with area locals. Here are some do’s and don’ts to guide you:
Do:
- Greet people first before starting a conversation.
- Use your right hand to shake hands or pass items.
- Accept at least a small taste when offered food.
- Dressed modestly in mosques, heritage sites, and family areas, making sure to cover shoulders and knees.
- Remove shoes and speak softly when in a mosque.
- Ask permission before photographing people. Mumkin sura? means “Can I take a photo?”
Don’t:
- Assume handshakes across genders are welcome—wait for the other person to initiate.
- Wear beachwear away from the beach or swimming pool.
- Visit the tourist areas around mosques during prayers.
- Rush meals—in Arab culture, meals are social events meant to be lingered over.
- Display affection in public—discretion and privacy are highly valued here.
Tips to practice and retain Arabic phrases
As with any other language, practice makes perfect when learning Arabic. The trick is to repeat key phrases regularly and stay consistent.
You can also incorporate flashcards, use language apps, or access free or structured lessons via online tools. One of the most effective methods is engaging locals directly in conversational practice, which helps to build your confidence.
Learning Arabic, one phrase at a time
When it comes to speaking other languages, a little goes a long way, and speaking even a little bit of the local language will give you a much richer experience of real life in the country. While you can get by in the UAE without speaking Arabic, you’ll have a better time if you master some of the essential Arabic phrases on this list.
Are you planning your next trip? Use this list to learn practical Arabic phrases for daily life in the UAE, and download it as a handy guide to reference on the go.
FAQs
Is it necessary to know Arabic to live in the UAE?
No! Most people currently living in the UAE are expats, so English is widely used. However, understanding some basic Arabic phrases will help you navigate cultural nuances like a pro and foster local connections.
How long does it take to learn basic Arabic phrases?
Arabic is one of the hardest languages to learn for English speakers. But with regular, structured practice, learning several key phrases should only take you a few hours.
Are these phrases common across the Arabic world?
Our list shows the most commonly used practical Arabic phrases for daily life in the UAE. They are widely understood across many Arabic-speaking countries, but slight regional variations may exist.