Here are 60 basic Arabic phrases for your Dubai tour which will help you mix with the locals, help you bargain in the souk and in general make your trip to the UAE more pleasant.
More than Just Lines on a Map: Best Practices for U.S Bike Routes
60 Basic Arabic Phrases For Your Dubai Tour
1. travelwithdahla.com http://www.travelwithdahla.com/726/basic-arabic-phrases-for-your-dubai-tour/
60 Basic Arabic Phrases for Your Dubai Tour
While in the UAE the chances are that you won’t find any local who can’t speak English, in fact English is like a
second language in most major UAE cities. However it is always a sign of respect and a courtesy to the locals in
any country you are visiting to know at least a few basic words in their language.
Just the fact that you have made the effort to learn a few Arabic words will make a good impression on locals.
This is true for business travellers as well as vacationers.
Here are 60 basic Arabic phrases for your Dubai tour which will help you mix with the locals, help you bargain in
the souk and in general make your trip to the UAE more pleasant.
Greetings
Salam Alaykoom – Hello - and in reply you would answer Wa alaykoom salam
2. Welcome – Ah-hlan was ah-hlan and in response you would answer Ahh-lan beek (beeki for females)
Inta min-ayn/Inti min-ayn? (M/F) - Where are you from?
Anaa min [country] - I am from [country]
Kay fah-lak? (for females Kay fah-lik?) - How are you?
Ma-salama - Goodbye
Ay-wa - Yes
La - No
Shu’kran - Thank-you
La shu’kran - No thanks
Min fadlak (min fadliki for females) - Please
Af-wan or Muta’assif - Sorry
Sabah el-kheer – Good Morning and in response you would answer Sabah in-nuwr
Masssa el kheer - Good Evening in response you would answer Massa’ in-nuwr
Yalla! – Let’s go or get on with it
Khalas – Done or enough
Insha’Allah – If Allah wills it or God willing
Mafi Mushkila – No problem
Habibi – My friend or my dear. For female it would be Habibti
Ya’anni – You know as in “something like that.”
Travel Related
Funduq – Hotel
Saffara – Embassy
Hajz – Reservation
Rihla – Fight, Trip
Haqiiba, Haqaa’ib – Suitcase(s)
Jawaaz safar – Passport
Ta’shiira – Visa
Dukhuul – Entry
Khuruuj – Exit
Mataar – Airport
Baab – Gate
3. Al-jumruk – Customs
Istilaam al-amti’a – Baggage claim
Saalat al-wusuul – Arrivals area
Saalat al-intiDHaar – Waiting [departure] area)
Haafila – Bus
Andak…..? – Do you have?
Bikaam? – How much?
Fallous – Money
Mat’am – Restaurant
Hes-sab - Restaurant bill
Hamam – Toilet
Moustashfa – Hospital
Sayidalaya – Pharmacy
Taks – Taxi
Maiya – Water
Ana mu fa-him - I don’t understand
Ana ay-yan - I’m sick
Ana areed - I want
Ana badowar - I’m looking for
Shuw? – What?
Wayn? – Where
Laysh? – Why?
Meen? – Who
Mata? – When?
Wayn al? – Where is?
Yanni eh? - What does that mean?
Ana unzil…..zay? - How do I get to?
Sa’Kam? - What time is it?
Ala yameen - Right
Ala shi-mel/Ala Yassar - Left
Ala tool - Straight
4. Hopefully these words will make your trip to the UAE easier and help you to get along with the locals.
If you have any suggestions of useful Arabic words I might have missed then feel free to share them
below in the comments section.
By: Adewale Adelani
Travel enthusiast with a passion for Social Media and Travel Manager at DAHLA TRAVEL, a travel, tours and
activities company in Dubai, UAE. Circle on GooglePlus Like on Facebook