Since the UAE is an extremely diverse country, English is commonly used to communicate. However, learning basic Arabic words and phrases will make your experience richer, whether you’re visiting or moving to the UAE. Here, you’ll find a list of popular Arabic words spelled in English to use in different scenarios.
Arabic Greetings and General Conversation
Knowing the greetings in any country is an essential part of learning a language. Whether you want to communicate with colleagues, waiters, or people in public, these basic Arabic greetings will work in most situations.
| Arabic Phrase | English Meaning |
| 1. Marhaba | Hello |
| 2. Sabah al Kheir | Good morning |
| 3. Masa’a al kheir | Good evening |
| 4. Tusbih ala khair | Good night |
| 5. Ma aismuka (Masculine) / Ma aismuki (Feminine) | What is your name? |
| 6. Ismi Ahmed | My name is Ahmed |
| 7. Kayf halak (Masculine) / Kayf halek (Feminine) | How are you? |
| 8. Shukran | Thank you |
| 9. Afwan | You’re welcome |
| 10. Ma as-salaama / salam | Goodbye / bye |
| 11. Aiwa / NaAm | Yes |
| 12. La | No |
| 13. Forsa Sa’eeda | Nice to meet you |
| 14. Asef | Sorry |
| 15. Min Fadlak | Please |
| 16. Tawaqaf | Stop |
| 17. LaaAref / Maa Adry | I don’t know |
| 18. Law Samaht | Excuse me |
| 19. Tamam | Perfect |
| 20. Aadi | That’s Normal |
| 21. Ashoofak Bokra (masculine) / Ashoofek Bokra (feminine) | See you tomorrow |
| 22. Kallemni | Call me / talk to me |
| 23. Kayf Mumken Asaduq? | How can I help you? |
| 24. Tabaan | Of course |
| 25. Ma atkallam Arabi | I don’t speak Arabic |
| 26. Andi | I have |
Questions
In order to know your way around, you need to be able to express yourself. These common questions are especially helpful.
| 27. Maza / Meen | What / Who |
| 28. Ayna / Lemaza | Where / Why |
| 29. Kam? | How much? |
| 30. Kam el se’er? | How much does it cost? |
| 31. Hal TaTaKalam alanglizia | Do you speak English? |
| 32. Kam Al Saaa | What time is it? |
| 33. Shoo Hada? | What is this? |
| 34. Wain / Ayn | Where? |
| 35. Wain Al Hamam? | Where is the bathroom? |
| 36. Kam Al Ijar | How much is the rent? |
| 37. Meen / Meno | Who? |
| 38. Ayna aqrab mahattat Metro? | Where is the nearest Metro station? |
Emergencies
While most healthcare facilities have English-speaking staff, it’s helpful to know some Arabic phrases in case you can’t find an English speaker around during an emergency.
| 39. MosaAda! | Help! |
| 40. Ahtaj Tabib | I need a doctor |
| 50. Daya’t al tareeg / Ana Da’eah | I am lost |
| 51. Sayaratee TaAtalat | My car broke down |
| 52. Ayna Al Mustashfaa | Where is the hospital? |
| 53. Sadeeqee Mareed | My friend is hurt / sick |
| 54. Al Alam huna | The pain is here |
| 55. Athonn Annani ta’eh | I think I’m lost |
Slang Words and Common Phrases
No one likes to feel like a foreigner. So in order to blend in and impress residents and locals, learn these popular Arabic phrases and slang words.
| 56. Seda | ‘Move forward’ – when talking about directions |
| 57. Wallah | I swear to god |
| 58. Mabrook | Congratulations |
| 59. Yalla | Let’s go |
| 60. Khalas | Finish / Done |
| 61. In sh’Allah | If God Wills |
| 62. Akeed | Sure / of course |
| 63. Ya rayyal | Oh man! |
| 64. Ya Haraam! | Poor thing / I feel sorry for |
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