Popular Arabic words and phrases for Dubai expats

With expatriates in the United Arab Emirates outweighing nationals

and making up 85% of the workforce in Dubai, it's no wonder that you
can go for days without listening to any native Arabic being spoken.

Even the expat individuals and families who've lived here for years or
decades still don't understand enough Arabic to follow a
conversation. When asked about it, they claim that they never felt the
need to learn Arabic. Even third culture kids and expat children who
were born and educated in the UAE don't know Arabic.

Despite Arabic being the most widely spoken Semitic language in the
world, the preferred language for expats is English. That said, most
expats living in the Middle East learn a few common words and
phrases that they use every now and then in their conversation.

Below is a list of 20 popular Arabic words and phrases almost all

expats in Dubai know and use, or should learn.

1. Khallas (pronounced ka-las)

Khallas means 'finished'. It can also mean stop, end, enough etc. It's
one of those words that can be and is used in every situation.

Example: Khallas! I'm done talking about this.

2. Maafi Mushki (pronounced mar-fi moosh-key-la)

Another Arabic term that's used often. It means 'no problem'.

People say it when you thank them, when you ask them for a favour or
make a request.

Example: Sorry about being late. Response: Maafi mushkil!

3. Habeebi/Habeebti (pronounced ha-bee-bee/ha-beeb-tee)

Habibi in Arabic means 'my love' and is often used in conversation,

both formally and informally. It's one of those words to learn as it can
be used in any situation — when genuinely calling someone a friend,
when fighting or even when being sarcastic!

If you are addressing a female you would say ‘Habeebti’. The closest
English word to Habeebi/habeebti I've come across is 'buddy' or 'my
dear'.

Example: Thanks, habeebi!

Example 2: Get out of my face, habeebi.

4. Hala (pronounced ha-la)

Hala is considered an informal or slang way to say hello. If you need

help to remember this one, think of it as the equivalent of 'Holla!'.

Example: Hala! How's it going?

5. Assalam Alaikum (pronounced ass-a-lam al-eye-kum)

Assalam Alaikum is a formal greeting in Arabic. It means 'Peace be

upon you'.

Example: Assalam Alaikum! How are you?

6. Walaikum Assalam (pronounced wal-eye-kum ass-a-lam)

Walaikum Assalam means '…and Peace be upon you too' and is said in
response to Assalam Alaikum.

Example: Walaikum Assalam! I'm fine, thanks. How are you?

7. Insha'Allah (pronounced in-shar-ah-la)

Insha'Allah is one of those words that is used in abundance in

conversations all over Dubai irrespective of whether it's a local,
expat, arabic or non-arabic speaking person.

Insha'Allah means 'God willing' or 'If God wills it'.

Example: I'll see you tomorrow, Insha'Allah.

8. Masha'Allah (pronounced mash-ar-ah-la)

Explaining the meaning of Masha'Allah is a little difficult as it's used

in myriad ways. The closest translation is 'God has willed it'.

It's mostly commonly said when admiring or praising something.

Example: Oh Masha'Allah! That's great!

9. Ahlan Wa Sahlan (pronounced ah-lan wa sar-lan)

Ahlan Wa Sahlan is probably the first phrase expats hear when

landing in Dubai. It means welcome.

This is not the welcome one says in response to 'thank you' though.
This is used in response to welcoming someone in your home, party or
country etc.

Ahlan Wa Sahlan is usually used as a stand alone phrase.

10. Marhaba (pronounced mar-ha-ba)

There are a number of words for saying hello in Arabic. Marhaba is

one of them.

Example: Marhaba! How are you?

11. Masalamah (pronounced mass-a-lar-ma)

Masalamah means 'goodbye' in Arabic. While there are other words

that mean goodbye too, this one is the easiest to learn.

Example: See you later. Masalamah!

12. Shukran (pronounced shook-ran)

If you want to say 'Thank you' or 'Thanks' in Arabic, Shukran is the

word you want to use.

And should you want to say 'No, thanks.' in Arabic, say 'La, shukran'.
Example: Shukran! That's very kind of you.

Example 2: La shukran, I don't want any.

13. Mabrook (pronounced ma-brook)

If you want to say congratulations to someone in Arabic, say

'Mabrook'.

Example: Mabrook! I'm so happy for you!

14. La afham (pronounce la af-am)

La afham means 'I don't understand'. It's also useful to learn for when
you run into someone who only speaks Arabic and you have difficulty
communicating.

Example: Sorry, la afham.

15. Min Fadlak (pronounced min fad-lak)

If you ever want to say please in Arabic, say Min fadlak. Keep in mind
though that the pronunciation changes a bit when addressing a
female.

If you're saying please in Arabic to a female, say Min Fadlik.

Hello
Marhaba

How are you?

Kaeef halak

Good morning
Sabah el khair

Good evening
Massa el khair
Greetings
TaHiat

Goodbye
MaAa es-salama

Excuse me
MaAzera

Sorry
Asef

Please
MinFadlak

Stop
Tawaqaf

Thank you
Shukran-Lak

Yes/No
NaAm/La

I don't Know
LaaAref

Who?/What?
Maza/Man

Where?/Why?
Ayna/Lemaza
How much?
Kam ath-thaman

How much does it cost?

Kam et-taklefa

How many?
Kam al Aadad

Do you speak English?

hal TaTaKalam alanglizia

I don't speak arabic

ana La ataKalam El Aarabya

What is your name?

ma iSmaK

Nice to meet you

sarertu Lemuqabalatek

My name is...
ismii...

How do I get to?

Kaeef yomKanany El Hosool ala?

Where is...?
Ayna

Is this the way to..?

Hal haza howa et-tareeq ela?
Can I drive here?
Hal yomkanany El qayada hona

I Think I'm lost

Annee mafqood

Is it safe/dangerous?
Hal howa aamen/khatar

Where can I buy...?

Ayna yomkanany shera?

Help!
mosaAda

I need a doctor
aHtaj ela Tabib

I have a fever
Aendee Huma

It hurts
Enahu Moalem

The pain is here

Al alam huna

Where is the bathroom?

Ayna Al Hamam

Do you have a phone?

Hal Ladika hatef

Where is the hospital?

Ayna Al mustashfaa

My car has broke down

Sayaratee TaAtalat

Where is the nearest garage/petrol station

Ayna aqrab Karaj/maHatet banseen

Where is the nearest cash machine?

Ayna aqrab Saraf aalee

I need water/food Can you take me to...?

aHtaj ela myah wa TaAam hal TastatiaA An TaaKhoznee Le

My friend is hurt or sick

sadeeqee moTaab/mareed

Basic Arabic Phrases

naäam. Yes.

laa. No.

min faDlik. Please.

shukran. Thank you.

äafwan. You're welcome.

aläafw. Excuse me.

arjuu almaädhira. I am sorry.

sabaaH alkhayr. Good morning.

masaa' alkhayr. Good evening.

tuSbiH äalaa khayr. Good night.

Arabic Phrases for Meeting and Greeting

hal tataHaddath al'ingiliiziyya? Do you speak English?

hal yuwjad aHad hunaa yataHaddath al'ingiliiziyya? Does anyone here

speak English?

anaa ataHaddath faqaT qaliil min aläarabiyya. I only speak a little

Arabic.

maa ismuk? What is your name?

ismii Hasan. My name is Hasan.

kayfa Haluk? How are you?

anaa bikhayr shukran. I'm fine, thank you.

anaa saäiid jiddan bimuqaabalatak. I am very glad to meet you.

anaa laa afham. I don't understand.

madhaa taquul? What did you say?

hal yumkinuk attaHadduth bibuT'. Can you speak more slowly?

anaa afham tamaaman. I understand perfectly.

Arabic Dialog

assayyida jamiila: SabaaH alkhayr.

Good morning.

hal tataHaddath al'ingiliiziyya?

Do you speak English?

muwaDHDHaf anaa muta'assif.
addukkaan:
I'm sorry.
 anaa laa ataHaddath al'ingiliiziyya.

I don't speak English.

assayyida jamiila: lil'asaf, anaa ataHaddath faqaT qaliil min
aläarabiyya.

Unfortunately, I only speak a little Arabic.

muwaDHDHaf haadhaa Hasan.
addukkaan:
That's all right.

anaa afhamuk.

I understand you.

Hala

This is a casual and friendly way to say 'hi!' to someone in Arabic.

While it's not commonly used in your local shop or on the street, we're
sure your Arabic-speaking friends will appreciate your effort.

Salaam Alaikum/Wa Alaikum Salaam

This is the traditional and more formal Arabic greeting that's mostly
used. Ideally, you should know both parts of the greeting... The first
person says 'Salaam Alaikum' and in response, you would say 'Wa
Alaikum Salaam'. In English, they're translated as 'peace be upon
you!' and 'and on you be peace'.

Shukran

Simply put, this means thank you. And your reply would be...

Afwan

Meaning, you're welcome! It can also be used for excuse me, if the
situation suits.

Titakkellem ingleezi?
A useful one to know if you're having trouble communicating. It
means 'do you speak English?' and is helpful in showing that you don't
understand Arabic to anyone who does like in a shop or restaurant.
This one is quite formal Arabic, and you can also use 'btehkey
inglezi?', which is a little easier to pronounce.

Mabrook

This means congratulations, can be used for any success someone

gains; be it small or huge. The word derives from the original phrase
'mubarak', which can also be used for congratulations sometimes and
is translated as blessed one.

Kifak

This one universally means 'how are you'? However Emirati Arabic
may also pronounce it as 'kayfa halak' (for men) or 'kafa halik' (for
women). Kifak is a lot easier to remember if needed.

Mafi

Means none, no or not.

Mafi Mushkila

This translates as 'no problem!' and is a popular Arabic phrase as it

can be used as a response to pretty much everything. Do you mind if I
borrow your chair? 'Mafi mushkila!

Inshallah

It means 'God willing', and is a must-know for everyone living here.

Will it rain today? 'Inshallah'. Hi boss, can I have a pay rise?
'Inshallah'. Will I get my bank card today? 'Inshallah;. Ultimately, it's a
polite way of saying maybe or possibly

La Afham
Translates as 'I don't understand'. The more common phrase for this
that can also be used is also 'msh fahem', which is understand by
many Arabic speakers.

Addesh?

Very useful if you're in a shop but the member of staff doesn't speak
English, and you don't speak Arabic. It means 'how much?', and with a
bit of luck you'll come to an understanding over the price using you
hands and fingers and end up walking out of the store with your new
favourite item!

Yallah!

Literally means, come on! Let's go! Hurry up! You'll no doubt hear this
a lot in your day.

Habibi/Habibti

My friend (M/F). Can be used in conjunction with Yallah! for a great

'Yallah Habibi!'

Mai

Water, its important to maintain hydrated in this country after all.

Wayn al hammam?

Means, 'where is the toilet?' if ever you need to use the restroom.

Ma'aa ssalama

This means goodbye, and is of course appropriate to use at the end of

a meeting or when you're leaving your group of friends. It can also be
shortened to peace as a more informal expression, too.