The official language of the United Arab Emirates is Arabic. Modern Standard Arabic is taught in schools, and most native Emiratis speak a dialect of Gulf Arabic that is generally similar to that spoken in surrounding countries.
- English is the most widely spoken language in Dubai, especially for business, trade and tourism. Around 75% of the population in Dubai are expatriates, most of whom speak English and/or their native language. There are a lot of different nationals working in Dubai, so you are likely to find someone who speaks your language.
What language is most spoken in Dubai?
English is the most commonly spoken language in Dubai. With a high number of expats, most of whom speak English as a native or second language, you’ll find it easy to make your way around. From road signs and menus to phone directories and public transport, English is always an option.
How do you say hello in Dubai?
While in Dubai, the most common greetings visitors will come across are marhaba (hello) and maasalaamah (goodbye or with peace). These are considered standard greetings for everyday situations. Ahlan wa sahlan (welcome) is also used in more formal meetings and can be shortened to ahlan to suit most scenarios.
How many languages are spoken in Dubai?
English, hindi, urdu, Arabic, malyali, pashto, chinese, Spanish and the list goes on and on. Originally Answered: What languages do they speak in Dubai? Arabic is the official language of UAE. Since over 88% of the total population is expat, English is the most spoken language for business.
What language do United Arab Emirates speak?
Living in Dubai does not in any way require a person to actually speak Arabic fluently. In fact, practically everyone in the city speaks English and it’s very unlikely that one will find themselves in a situation where they actually need to know Arabic.
Is Arabic easy to learn?
Arabic. Next on the list of the hardest languages to learn for English speakers is Arabic, which is also in the top five most spoken world languages. There are also characteristics of spoken Arabic that make it hard to learn.
Do Arabs touch noses?
Using the nose to greet is also a custom with people in the world: Mongols, Polynesians, Malay, Indians, Africans, and Eskimos among others. But while in the Arab Peninsula people stub noses against each other, in other places they smell or sniff each other.
What are people from Dubai called?
The people in Dubai are referred to as ‘ Emiratis ‘ that is that is the citizens of The United Arab Emirates.
What food is in Dubai?
13 of the best foods in Dubai
- Khuzi. Considered the national dish of the UAE, Khuzi is comprised of roasted lamb or goat served atop a bed of exuberantly spiced rice, often studded with assorted nuts and finished with some vegetables.
- Samboosa.
- Margoogat.
- Manousheh.
- Camel Burger.
- Seafood.
- Fattoush.
- Dates.
Why is Dubai so rich?
Its diverse economy makes Dubai one of the richest in the world. Unlike other states in the region, Dubai’s economy doesn’t rely on oil. The growth of its economy comes from business, transportation, tourism and finance. Free trade allowed Dubai to become a wealthy state.
What religion is United Arab Emirates?
The constitution designates Islam as the official religion. It guarantees freedom of worship as long as it does not conflict with public policy or morals.
How rich do you have to be to live in Dubai?
Dubai: Although there are many people who manage to survive with very little money, residents in Dubai need to earn at least Dh4,000 a month in order to lead a decent life, a financial expert says. Compensation and benefits in the UAE vary depending on the industry, company or job role.
Can you drink in Dubai?
Drinking Is A-OK, in the Right Places Tourists are permitted to drink in licensed restaurants, hotels and bars attached to licensed hotels. It is unacceptable and punishable to drink in public places—even beaches. Dubai is incredibly strict about public drunkenness and has zero tolerance for drinking and driving.
Is Dubai a Indian?
Dubai is not in India either. It is very much in the country of The United Arab Emirates which is in the Southeast of the Arabian Peninsula.
Languages
Despite the fact that Arabic is the official language of the United Arab Emirates, English is the most widely spoken language in Dubai. In addition to many other languages, you will discover a large number of expats who speak Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, Tamil, Tagalog, Persian, Chinese, and Malayalam, among many others. Arabic is the official language of communication in Dubai, and it is used for both written and oral communication. Languages used in government offices and activities include Arabic, which is also the language in which regulations and legislation are issued.
When visiting Dubai, it is possible to communicate just in English; but, if you are prepared to learn Arabic, you will most likely be better welcomed by the Emiratis.
Non-Arabic languages spoken in Dubai
In Dubai, despite the fact that Arabic is the official language of the country, English is the language that is most often spoken. Additionally, you will come across a large number of expats who speak a variety of languages such as Hindi and Urdu as well as Bengali, Tamil, Tagalog, Persian, Chinese, and Malayalam. Both written and vocal communication in Dubai are conducted in Arabic, which is the official language. The operation of government offices and affairs is done in Arabic, and regulations and legislation are published in Arabic as well as English.
It is possible to get by in Dubai only on the basis of your English skills, but if you are prepared to study Arabic, you will be more accepted by the locals.
Do you need to speak Arabic in Dubai?
Dubai is a very cosmopolitan city with a diverse population of people from many different cultures. As Dubai continues to draw an increasing number of tourists each year, the ability to communicate in a variety of languages becomes increasingly crucial for its citizens. The majority of road signs, boards, and other similar items are available in both Arabic and English. If, on the other hand, you want to go outside of Dubai to other parts of the UAE, bear in mind that English is not widely spoken in other cities and villages outside of Dubai.
Arabic is the primary language of instruction in public schools, with English as a second language.
ByI’ve Just Arrived
Further reading
- Arabic:Spoken and written Arabic
- Arabic learning:How to learn the language successfully
- Arabic:Spoken and written Arabic
Does this article help?
Do you have any thoughts, updates, or questions on this subject? Please share them with us. Inquire with them here:
What Languages Are Spoken in the United Arab Emirates?
In the background, you can see the flag of the United Arab Emirates. The United Arab Emirates (often known as the UAE) is a federation of seven Arab states that is sometimes shortened as UAE. The nation is located on the Persian Gulf and is bordered by the countries of Oman and Saudi Arabia. The population of the country is little more than 10 million people. The native population of the United Arab Emirates, on the other hand, numbers just 1.4 million people, with expatriates accounting for about 84 percent of the country’s total population.
As a result of the large influx of immigrants into the nation, several foreign languages such as English, Hindi, Farsi, Urdu, and Malayalam are frequently heard in the United Arab Emirates, as well as other regional languages.
Official Language of the United Arab Emirates
In the United Arab Emirates, a variety of dialects of the Arabic language are spoken. Standard Arabic is the language that is used in official documents and in the administration of government agencies. It may also be found in books, newspapers, and periodicals, among other places. A more complicated language, Classic Arabic, serves as the foundation for this one. Gulf Arabic is the other dialect of Arabic that is spoken in the United Arab Emirates. Arab dialects of the Gulf are widely spoken in neighboring Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Kuwait City.
The language is, nevertheless, extensively spoken in the adjacent state of Oman, where it is the official language.
The Most Popular Foreign Language Spoken in the UAE
Until 1971, the territory that is now occupied by the United Arab Emirates was a British colony. As a result, English is a widely spoken language throughout the region. Most of the time, the language is employed in the educational system, where it is taught as a second language to students. English is also widely spoken in stores, hotels, and the majority of commercial establishments. Because of the enormous number of western expats that live in the United Arab Emirates, English is more generally spoken in the nation than Arabic is.
Minority Languages Spoken in the UAE
Tehrani, commonly known as Farsi, is a minority language in the United Arab Emirates, where it is mostly spoken by a small group of Iranians who have settled there. Because of the UAE’s closeness to Iran, it is believed that Iranians were among the country’s first immigrants. The Iranian community in the United Arab Emirates accounts for more than 5% of the country’s overall population. The majority of Iranians live in Dubai, where they own and run about 8,000 enterprises.
Hindi
The other minority language in the United Arab Emirates is Hindi, which is spoken by a small number of people. It is extensively spoken by the large number of Indian immigrants who have settled in the nation and who account for over 30 percent of the country’s population. Schoolchildren learn the Hindi language at Indian schools, which are mostly owned and operated by rich Indian expatriates. The Indian population in the United Arab Emirates considers Dubai to be their favorite city.
Importance of Foreign Languages Spoken in the UAE
- The population of the United Arab Emirates is one of the world’s most diversified in the globe. The country is equipped with a plethora of languages, which are spoken by a diverse spectrum of immigrants. Because of the wide variety of languages spoken in the nation, it has become a cultural hotspot, and tourists travel to the country to experience the many cultures on offer. Additionally, the country’s rich range of languages makes it a desirable site for businesspeople to conduct their operations.
Useful Phrases to Learn Before Visiting Dubai
The Museum of the Future in Dubai|Giuseppe Cacace / Getty ImagesThe Museum of the Future in Dubai Arabic and English are the two most widely spoken languages in the United Arab Emirates. Despite the fact that you may get by with only speaking English, there are a number of Arabic phrases that you may come across in everyday speech. Here are the most important terms to know before visiting Dubai on vacation. To begin a conversation in Arabic, the formal greeting is as-salam alaykum, to which the answer is invariably as-salam alaykum.
- If, on the other hand, you like to say hello in a more casual manner, use the slang term forsalamorhalla, which means “hello.” In addition, there is a considerable probability that when you arrive in Dubai, you will be met with the pleasantmarhabaanor that you will be welcomed withahlan.
- “I’m OK, thank you,” is the customary answer in Arabic, which translates as “I’m fine, thank you.” Asmae alsalama, which approximately translates as ‘go with peace,’ is a common way of saying farewell in Arabic.
- It’s also useful to know the difference between ‘yes’ and ‘no,’ which isna’amandlrespectively.
- If you accidentally bump into someone, you should say ‘excuse me’ likealma’dera and’sorry’ likeaesef.
- Spices at the souq|Photo courtesy of Elroy Serrao/Flickr In the United Arab Emirates, Arabic expressions have been translated into various languages.
- It is a phrase of endearment that is used between close friends as well as between romantic partners.
- Traditionally, this phrase is intended to convey the sentiment that someone would try their best, but it is also used as an excuse.
Photograph by Sam Valadi/Flickr Haram is a term that generally translates to a sin or anything that is prohibited and in violation of Islamic law.
As a result, it is advised to stop whatever you are doing if someone says this to you because it may be considered insulting or even illegal.
A server may inquire as to if you would like dessert after your meal if you are at a restaurant.
This is something you could hear a parent say to their children when out and about in Dubai.Shu hadha?
It can be used either as a harmless query or as a statement that roughly translates as ‘what on earth are you doing?!’ or something similar.
Dubai at Night If you find yourself in a tricky circumstance where you need to speak in Arabic, the following phrases may be of assistance to you.
To inquire, ‘Can you assist me?’ sayhal beemkanik musaea’adati, or simply saymusaeada, which means ‘assistance.’ If someone is trying to speak with you in Arabic, you may tell them that you don’t comprehend what they’re saying by sayingla afham (I don’t understand).
What Language Is Spoken In Dubai?
Many newcomers to Dubai may be curious in what languages are spoken in the city. The official language of the United Arab Emirates is Arabic. The country’s capital is Dubai. There is also Gulf Arabic, which is spoken by many Emiratis. This is a language that is quite similar to regular Arabic. You might be astonished to learn that English is the most widely spoken language in Dubai, which may come as a surprise to you. There are a variety of languages spoken across the city in addition to the two official languages of the country, Arabic and English.
This is partly due to the explosive exponential expansion of the business sector and the large number of expats who have immigrated to the country.
Language Basics for Travelling to Dubai
The fact that you may do business and travel in English does not diminish the need of learning at least a few popular Arabic phrases for courtesy’s sake.
How to Say Hello in Arabic
Although “Hello” is officially “as salam alaykum,” you can say “Hi” informally by saying “sallam” or “hala,” which are both Arabic words for “hello.”
How to Say Goodbye in Arabic
In Arabic, the word “goodbye” can also signify “go in peace.” “Ma’a as-salamah” is the Arabic phrase for “goodbye.”
How to Say Thank You in Arabic
“Thank you” is pronounced “Shukraan” in Arabic. Furthermore, the term “Welcome” (which is pronounced “Hayakoom”) is another typical response.
Other Useful Phrases to be Used in Dubai
Now that we’ve established some fundamentals, we can go further. Check out the chart below for other phrases to become familiar with before your trip to Dubai.
| English | Arabic |
| How Are You? | Kayf Halik |
| I am Good | ‘ana bikhayr |
| How Much? | kam althaman |
| Excuse Me | Efu |
| Sorry | Asif |
| Please | raja’ |
| Yes | Nam |
| No | La |
| Please Repeat | arjwk ‘aead |
| I Don’t Understand | ‘ana la ‘afham |
Common Questions in Arabic
| English | Arabic |
| Where is the Burj Khalifa? | Wein Burj Khalifa? |
| Where is the Nearest Metro? | Wein Mahatat el Metro? |
| Sorry I Don’t Speak Arabic | Afwan, ma ahki Arabi |
| Can I Have a Lower Price? | Akher Se’er |
| Where is the Nearest Cash Machine? | Ayna aqrab Saraf aalee |
| Where is the Bathroom? | ayn alhamam |
| Do You Speak English? | hal tatakalam allughat al’iinjlizia |
| Good Morning | sabah alkhyr |
| Good Evening | masa’ alkhayr |
| I’d Like a Beer | ‘urid bira |
What Other Languages are Spoken in Dubai?
Due to the increase of international employees and expatriates into Dubai, the following modes of communication have become increasingly popular.
- Malayalam
- sHindi
- sUrdu
- sGujarati
- sPersian
- sSindhi
- sTamil
- sPunjabi
- sPashto
- sBengali
- sBalochi
- sTulu
- sKannada
- sSinhala
- sMarathi
- sTelugu
- sTagalog
- sChinese
In Arabic, most of the phrases listed above are not necessarily pronounced in the manner that they appear, therefore it is a good idea to ‘brush up’ on your pronunciation before you travel there. You may use Google Translate to translate any of the sentences listed above, or you can watch the YouTube video included below, which I find to be really useful. Thank you for taking the time to read this! Make a note to return for more information about TravelLiving in DubaiAbu Dhabi. Follow us on Pinterest to stay up to date.
You Might Be Interested in the Following:
Languages in Dubai – What are the Spoken Languages in Dubai?
Dubai, one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, is a multi-cultural and multi-lingual society. While Arabic is the language of choice among residents, expats prefer to communicate in English, Hindi, Urdu, and even Filipino, among other languages. Because of its objective to be the world’s most magnificent tourist destination, Dubai attracts a large number of laborers from Asian countries, which further contributes to the diversity of the languages spoken in the city.
Official Spoken Language of Dubai – Arabic
Source Taking into consideration the pride that Emiratis have in their culture and the desire to maintain the country’s uniqueness, the Sultanate designated Arabic to be the official language of Dubai. Despite the fact that numerous distinct vernaculars are utilized around the country.
With three-quarters of the population living as expats, English is the language of choice for the majority of the population. In Dubai, the languages of Hindi, Gujarati, Urdu, and Malayalam have become widespread because of the influx of immigrants and laborers from South Asian nations.
Native Language in Dubai
Unquestionably, Arabic is the native’s preferred form of communication, but there is a catch. It is neither the Arabic that is used in formal settings or the Arabic that is found in the Koran. It is distinguished from the others by the fact that it is referred to as the Emirati dialect. Dialects are different shades of the same vernacular that can be handled as such. Furthermore, the Emirati dialect is spoken in a variety of dialects by people from different parts of the country. There are noticeable differences between Abu Dhabi, the Eastern beaches, and the northern sections of the country.
Emirati Arabic bears substantial resemblances to English as well as various other Asian languages as a result of these heavy influences.
These alterations demonstrate the richness of the Emirati version’s cultural variety.
English – The Most Commonly Spoken Language
Source Visitors from all over the world have flocked to see the breathtaking transformation of a desert into a wonderland of engineering feats and marvels. As a result, English became a widely accepted language. The majority of official delegations can communicate well in English. You may find it difficult to communicate with drivers, delivery men, and other service providers. The straightforward reason for this is that English is a direct translation of their native language. An increasing number of government and private organizations such as schools, universities and hospitals are teaching English as a second language.
Given that English is one of the most widely spoken languages in Dubai, there are a large number of tour guides who are fluent in English.
English has also had an impact on several of the indigenous languages, as well.
Languages by Immigrants
Source Hard-working laborers from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and other South Asian nations have contributed to Dubai’s ever-changing terrain. Without them, the city would not be what it is today. This considerably contributes to the slew of speeches that will be delivered in Dubai. Hindi, Gujarati, Malayalam, Bengali, Chinese, and Urdu are just a handful of the languages spoken in Dubai, which has a plethora of other languages as well.
There are several institutes for Arabic study because it is a difficult language to master. Even if someone learns a few sentences, he or she may have difficulties communicating because of the vast differences in pronunciation between different dialects.
Useful Words and Phrases
Dubai is compatible with a wide range of different languages. During their visit to Dubai, Asian visitors have a greater opportunity of conversing in their own language. Visitors from Europe and the United States, on the other hand, will always have English as a backup language. However, the nice small act of attempting to communicate in their language will win the hearts of many people. There are a variety of organizations that can teach you Emirati Arabic, but you can get a head start with our collection of Arabic terms and phrases, which includes their definitions.
- Marhaba – Greetings
- Kaeefhalak – How are you doing today? Greetings, Sabah el Khair
- Good morning
- Asef – Please accept my apologies. MaAaes-Salama – Farewell, my friend
- Massa el Khair – Greetings, and good evening. I’m not sure
- LaaAref – I’m not sure
- Thank you so much, Shukran-Lak. Yes/No
- NaAm/La – Yes/No
- Please, MinFadlak
- Please
- Stopping at Tawaqaf
- How many are there in Kam al Aadad
- How much is it, Kamath-Thaman? Maza/Man – Who/What are you? Ayna/Lemaza – Where are you going? Why are you here? Do you have a command of the English language? – halTaTaKalamalanglizia, halTaTaKalamalanglizia, halTaTaKalamalanglizia, halTaTaKalamalanglizia, halTaTaKalamalanglizia, halTaTaKalamalanglizia, halTaTaKalamalanglizia, halTaTa I’m not fluent in Arabic. the adage “ana La ataKalam El Aarabya” is used
- It is a pleasure to meet you. – sarertuLemuqabalatek
- SarertuLemuqabalatek Is it possible for me to drive here? – Hal yomkanany El qayadahona
- Is this the path that leads to.? – Hal hazahowa et-tareeqela
- Hal hazahowa et-tareeqela I want the services of a doctor – aHtajelaTabib
- Where can I obtain.? – Aynayomkananyshera is a female name. What is the location of the restroom? If so, do you have a phone? – Ayna Al Hamam – Hal Ladikahatef, a.k.a. Hal Ladikahatef
- What is the location of the nearest cash machine? – AynaaqrabSarafaalee
- AynaaqrabSarafaalee
- What time is it exactly? – KamAlsaaa
- Please repeat after me – Edmin Fadlik, A Edmin Fadlik
- What’s going on? There’s nothing wrong with you – ShoofiMafi
- See you tomorrow – AshoofookBukra
- Everything is normal – Aadhi
One thing to keep in mind is that, in contrast to English, the words used while speaking to men and women are slightly different. Pronunciation is a crucial foundation of Arabic culture to a significant extent. While simultaneously attempting to study the Arabic language in order to communicate with people from all over the world, the official form of the language is being studied. Avoid having unproductive conversations with people of the opposite sex since you can be misinterpreted. Native Americans are extremely ethnocentric, and they may get outraged if their culture is disrespected.
If you are already familiar with the languages spoken in Dubai, when do you plan on visiting this beautiful country?
Most Spoken Languages In UAE
- One thing to keep in mind is that, in contrast to English, while speaking to men and women, the language changes a little bit more naturally. Pronunciation is a crucial foundation of Arabic culture to a significant degree. At the same time, I’m attempting to learn the official Arabic version, because people from all around the world may relate to it in some way. Stay away from having unproductive conversations with people of the opposite sex since you may be misinterpreted. In their ethnocentricity, natives are likely to get outraged if their culture is mocked or derided in any way. Because of the large number of tourists that visit each year, it is assured that you will appreciate its diversity at its most basic level of development. If you are already familiar with the languages spoken in Dubai, when do you plan on visiting this magnificent city?
Despite the fact that Arabic is the official language of the UAE, English is the language that is most often spoken in the country. In addition to many other languages, you will discover a large number of expats who speak Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, Tamil, Tagalog, Persian, Chinese, and Malayalam, among many others. Arabic is the official language of communication in Dubai, and it is used for both written and oral communication. Government offices and activities are conducted in Arabic, and regulations and legislation are published in Arabic as well as in English and French.
- It is possible to get by in Dubai just on the basis of English communication, but if you are willing to learn Arabic, you will be more accepted by the Emiratis.
- Approximately 75% of the population of the United Arab Emirates is made up of expats, the majority of whom speak English and/or their original language.
- If you are fluent in a South Asian language (for example, Hindi, Urdu, Malayalam, Bengali, or Tamil), you will have the opportunity to put your skills to the test in the United Arab Emirates.
- In the course of talks for the Dubai Strategic Plan for 2015, the issue of the rising number of English speakers was brought up for consideration.
- The administration is concerned that the United Arab Emirates may lose its national character.
- Dubai is a very cosmopolitan city with a diverse population of people from many different cultures.
- The majority of road signs, boards, and other similar items are available in both Arabic and English.
The majority of rural residents are unable to communicate in English. Arabic is the primary language of instruction in public schools, with English as a second language. The majority of private schools provide lectures in English or in a foreign language other than their native language.
Emirati Dialect – Wikipedia
Emirates dialect is a dialectal variant of the Arabic language that is spoken in the United Arab Emirates, and it is a branch of the regional Gulf dialects family of languages. It refers to a variety of distinct degrees of dialects, including local, national, cultivated, and formal dialects.
Arabic language
There are several distinct dialects of Arabic:
- Islamic classics are written in classical Arabic, which is also the language of the Quran and all early Islamic literature (beginning with the Quran’s revelation in 622 AD). Modern Standard Arabic (thefuah, in Arabic: ), the present standard language taught in schools and utilized in journalistic writing, written administrative papers, mass media, and universities
- Modern Standard Arabic is a dialect of the Arabic language. Dialectal Arabic is a collection of dialects used in everyday conversation outside of written and formal circumstances that vary not only from one Arabic country to another but also from one area to another within a single country.
Diglossia and dialectal variety
Because of the coexistence of Modern Standard Arabic (high language) and the dialect (low language), it is conceivable to talk about the Arabic language’s diglossia (dialectal variation). In the globe, the United Arab Emirates, with a total land area of around 83,000 km2 and a population of more than 200 distinct nationalities, are one of the countries with the highest aggregation of ethnic groups, with more than 200 different nationalities. A number of Semitic races were established in this region, according to archeological digs conducted in the area.
- It is the primary mode of communication for the vast majority of the population, despite the fact that persons with a high cultural level are able to express themselves in official Arabic.
- A practical example would be the “mob” negation, which has several versions, including “mesh” in Abu Dhabi, “mob” in the Northern Emirates, and “ma” on the East Coast.
- In reality, the United Arab Emirates has become a popular destination for expats (not simply Arabs), who frequently constitute the majority of “operating” personnel.
- This has resulted in the Emirate dialect becoming more influenced by other Arabic dialects and other languages than it was originally.
- In this case, “draywel” is the local declination of the English word “driver,” and “motar,” which is derived from the English word “motor,” means “car” in the local language of Draywel.
Furthermore, in the spoken emiratate language, it is usual to substitute some characters with others that have a similar sound: the “j” may be substituted with “y,” the “k” can be substituted with “ch,” and the “q” can be substituted with “g” or “j.”
| English | Standard Modern Arabic | Emirate dialect |
| Chicken | da-jaaj | di-yaay |
| Fish | sa-mak | si-mach |
| Coffee | qah-wa | gah-wa |
| Near | qa-rib | jirib |
There is also a guide book for the Arabic dialect of the United Arab Emirates, Spoken Emirati, as well as an Italian version, Dialetto Emiratino, both of which were published by Nico de Corato in collaboration with Hanan Al Fardan and Abdulla Al Kaabi, who wrote the original English edition.
References
The Arabic dialect of the United Arab Emirates, Spoken Emirati, as well as an Italian translation of the same name, Dialetto Emiratino, were edited by Nico de Corato and Hanan Al Fardan, who were also the creators of the original English edition.
- Languages spoken in the United Arab Emirates
- Countries where Arabic is spoken around the world The origins and history of the Arabic language
- Pronunciation and phonology
- Arabic grammar
- And other topics. Dialects of Arabic are distinguished by their differences. Facts about the Arabic language that are interesting
- Learning Arabic in the United Arab Emirates
Languages spoken in the UAE
The United Arab Emirates is a real mash-up of cultures, languages, and people. Although Arabic is the official language of the nation, Emiratis make up less than a quarter of the country’s total population, which is less than 12 percent. The remainder is made up of individuals from all over the world, including India and Bangladesh, Egypt and the Philippines, Ireland and the United States, to mention a few examples. The majority of expats feel that they can get by with simply speaking English, because items like traffic signs and other crucial information are available in both English and Arabic.
Others that are frequently spoken include Hindi, Malayalam, Urdu, Pashto, Tagalog, and Bengali, among others.
Where Arabic is spoken worldwide
In all, over 420 million people speak Arabic across the world, making it the fifth most spoken language in the world. This includes both native and non-native speakers of the language. The language is officially recognized as an official language in more than 25 nations, the majority of which are located in the Middle East and North Africa. It is also used in a large number of other nations. Because Arabic is the official language of Islam, more than 1.6 billion Muslims throughout the world pray or read the Koran in this language every day.
Origins and history of the Arabic language
A part of the Semitic family of languages, along with languages such as Hebrew and Amharic, Arabic has been in existence for more than 1,000 years. This language is classified as a part of the Afro-Asiatic group of world languages, and it is widely believed to have originated in the Arabian Peninsula; in fact, the name “Arabic” itself refers to nomadic existence, a traditional way of life in the Arabian Gulf. Having said that, Arabic was only one of several languages spoken in the region at the time, and it was not the dominant language.
They are also unsure of the exact date when Arabic became a written script for the first time, given that the language was originally spoken.
Muslims believe that at this point in history, the Prophet Mohammed received the Koran straight from God and recorded it.
Even today, this variant of the language is referred to as ‘Classical Arabic’ by some. Arabic spread fast over the world as a result of this recorded religious literature and the Arab conquests that followed it.
Pronunciation and phonology
The Arabic language, which is written from right to left, is composed of 28 letters that are constructed by combining 18 various forms with specified dots put above and below to make the Arabic alphabet. Once you have mastered the sounds that correlate to the letters, Arabic is a phonetic language that can be learned solely by ear. Consonants are the building blocks of most Arabic words; most of these consonants (such as b, f, h, sh, and th) are known to English listeners since they are spoken in the same way as in English.
Itkit (pronounced like the English term) is pronounced –ab (like the English abbreviation forabdominals).
For example, the term isarbaa is used to represent the number four.
Arabic grammar
Every noun in Arabic is either masculine or feminine, and both nouns and adjectives change form to correspond to the gender, number, or situation of the speaker. The pronouns I, you, and you all (for males), two individuals (for females), and we are also included in the list of 12 personal pronouns. When attempting to grasp correct Arabic grammar, this is a significant barrier. Nominal sentences (starting with a noun) and verbal sentences (beginning with a verb) are both possible in Arabic (beginning with a verb).
In verbal sentences, the subject is always expressed as part of the conjugation and is never mentioned independently.
The different Arabic dialects
The language of Arabic is divided into three categories: Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), Koranic Arabic, and Colloquial Arabic. Despite the fact that Arabic is spoken all over the world, there are three distinct types of Arabic. Originally from the Koran, MSA (also known asfus-ha) is the form of the Quran that is taught in Arabic-speaking nations to pupils in school. MSA can also be found in newspapers and official letters, among other places. Koranic Arabic, on the other hand, is found in Islam’s holy writings as well as during prayer.
It is sometimes totally incomprehensible between countries, particularly those that may have incorporated parts of past colonizer languages, such as French, into their own languages.
Arabic in the Levant (Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine) has its own set of grammatical oddities that distinguish it from other dialects.
The same is true in Arabic spoken in the Gulf (Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, and Yemen), Egyptian (Egypt and Sudan), and North African (Senegal, Algeria, and Tunisia) (Tunisia, Morocco, Libya, and Algeria).
Interesting facts about the Arabic language
- The Egyptian dialect of Arabic is the most widely spoken dialect in the world
- Arabic is written from right to left, although numerals are written from left to right
- There are around 4,000 terms in Spanish that are derived from Arabic
- There are more than ten terms in Arabic for love – and more than 100 words in Arabic for camel
Learning Arabic in the UAE
Expats residing in the United Arab Emirates have a variety of choices for learning spoken and/or written Arabic. They also have the option of choosing between Gulf Arabic, Modern Standard Arabic, or a dialect of their own. The majority of people in the United Arab Emirates speak English, with only a small number of individuals speaking Arabic. A survey conducted by the local newspaperKhaleej Times found that 81 percent of those surveyed had never attended an Arabic course, despite the fact that the number of persons enrolling in Arabic courses is increasing.
This is especially true given the fact that many expats find themselves staying in the UAE for an extended period of time.
Useful resources
Check out the links below to get some practice with Arabic pronunciation: If you wish to learn more about Emirati Arabic in particular, you might look at the following resources: If you are interested in learning Arabic, the following are some language institutes and organisations in the United Arab Emirates:
- In addition to Eton Institute, there are Berltiz Language Centers, the Arabic Language Center, Meetup.com Language Groups, and the Mother Tongue Center.
Languages in the UAE – Exploring the United Arab Emirates
What language do the inhabitants of the United Arab Emirates speak? We may put the response in a single sentence: Arabic is the official language, Urdu is the most widely spoken language, and English is the language of communication for everyone.
Arabic in the UAE
Arabic has been the official language of the United Arab Emirates since its founding. This is the native language of the Emirati, as well as the sacred language of Islam, and as such, it is the official language of the United Arab Emirates. All traffic signs are in Arabic (with English captions), and the majority of local media is in Arabic as well as English.
English in the UAE
When there are so many different ethnicities in a single country, it is necessary to adopt a common language in order to communicate with one another effectively. Because it was formerly a British protectorate, the language of communication is English (with a few variations, particularly in rural regions). All signage and government documents are translated into English, and there is a great number of English-language publications, radio stations, and television channels available. Every time you pick up the phone, go to a meeting, go to a conference, or even just meet someone random on the street, the interaction is virtually always in English.
Urdu
Urdu is the official language of Pakistan and one of the official languages of India. It is also the language of the Taliban. It is spoken by all Muslims in India and Pakistan, regardless of nationality (Hindu Indians mostly speaking Hindi).
Due to the fact that they constitute the majority of the population, Arabic is de facto the most widely spoken language in the UAE. For a Westerner, learning the language, on the other hand, is extremely difficult.
Others
Inevitably, each population has its own language, which it uses to communicate with its fellow citizens. The languages Tagalog (from the Philippines), Indonesian, Bengali and various other dialects are frequently heard. This is a great combination!
Do people speak English in Dubai?
Dubai is a cosmopolitan city with a diverse population of cultures, and it continues to draw more visitors with each passing year. As a result, being able to communicate in several languages becomes increasingly crucial for people of Dubai.
Do you need to speak Arabic language in Dubai?
In the United Arab Emirates, Arabic is the official language, and English is the most widely spoken language. In Dubai, Arabic is the primary language of communication, both written and vocal. Government offices and government activities are handled in Arabic, and the country’s regulations and laws are likewise published in Arabic. The official language of the country is Arabic. The majority of the population of the United Arab Emirates, known as Emiratis, speaks Arabic. Despite the fact that you may get by with only speaking English, the Emiratis will be more welcoming if you learn Arabic in addition to English.
However, you should be aware that, aside from Dubai, if you intend to travel to other cities or villages in the UAE, English will not be as prevalent, and most rural people will not be able to communicate in English.
Although most private schools teach in English or other foreign languages, some do so in other languages as well.
Do people speak English in Dubai?
English is the most frequently spoken language in Dubai, and it is particularly important for business, commerce, and tourism reasons in the city. Approximately 75% of Dubai’s population is comprised of expats, the vast majority of whom communicate in English or their original language. Some of the most significant contracts, such as job contracts and rental agreements, are written in both the Arabic and the English languages. As a result, English is employed in written documents as well. Furthermore, the majority of private schools in Dubai provide instruction in English or other foreign languages.
What non-Arabic languages are spoken in Dubai, other than English?
There are many different nationalities working in Dubai, so you will almost certainly find someone who speaks your native language. For example, if you are fluent in a South Asian language such as Hindi, Malayalam, Bengali, Tamil, or Urdu, you will have no difficulty communicating in Dubai. South Asian nationals make up the vast majority of expats in Dubai, and they all communicate in their own language. With more than thirty percent of the population of the United Arab Emirates hailing from India, the majority of expatriates from India and Pakistan have adopted Hindi and Urdu as their native languages, with several other languages from the Philippines, Indonesia, and Bengali also being widely spoken.
Among the non-Arabic languages spoken in Dubai, Malayalam is the most frequent, followed by Urdu and Persian; Gujarati is the second most common; Tamil is the third; and Chinese is the fourth most common. Malayalam is the most prevalent non-Arabic language spoken in Dubai, followed by English.
What is The Dubai Language and What Languages are Spoken There
You’ll hear a diversity of languages spoken when you visit Dubai because the city is home to more than 200 different ethnicities. The English language is the most widely spoken in Dubai. The majority of the population of Dubai is made up of individuals from all over the world. English, Hindi, Urdu, Filipino, and the official Arabic language of the United Arab Emirates are just a few of the languages you’ll master. While the majority of Dubai’s residents speak English, it is not necessary to be fluent in Arabic in order to travel in the UAE.
Many passengers use Dubai International Airport as a layover before continuing on to their final destination, so learning a few essential words can help you navigate your way around the airport more easily.
What is the Dubai Language and What Languages are Spoken There
The city of Dubai is bustling with people from all over the world. Because there are over 150 different nationalities living in Dubai, communication amongst individuals is essential. English is the most widely spoken language in Dubai, with the majority of the population fluent in the language. This is why it is essential to be fluent in the local language before traveling to the nation. Those that are fluent in English will have little trouble communicating with the vast majority of the population in Dubai.
Arabic
Arabic is the official language of Dubai, as well as the official language of the United Arab Emirates. In the country, it is spoken by all residents and is an important component of the culture and religion of the cities in which it is spoken. Knowing a few Arabic words will undoubtedly come in handy when you are in Dubai, especially when communicating with the locals. In addition to the diverse group of Arabs that reside in Dubai, Arabic is also spoken by them. Overall, Arabic is the official language of Dubai, however it is not the most widely spoken language in the city.
Urdu
Official languages of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates are Arabic and English. In the country, it is spoken by all residents and is an important component of the culture and religion of the cities in which it is found. When visiting Dubai, knowing a few Arabic words will come in handy, especially when communicating with the locals. Even the diverse population of Arabs who reside in Dubai speak Arabic as well. The official language of Dubai is Arabic, which is not the most widely spoken language in the country.
Many More Languages
As previously said, Dubai serves as a crossroads for people of many various ethnicities. In Dubai, people of over 200 different nationalities live and communicate with one another. There are numerous more languages spoken among the country’s population, indicating that the country is diverse. Besides English, other languages spoken in the nation include Mandarin Chinese, Farsi Persian Persian, Bengali, Tamil, Tagalog, and Malayalam, among others. More information may be found at:
- Spending Eid in Dubai 2020: What to Do and Where to Go
- What are the names of the seven Emirates in the United Arab Emirates
“Now that you are familiar with the most often spoken languages in Dubai, you may travel throughout the city without worrying about being unable to communicate.” If you are fluent in English, you will be OK when you visit the nation because the majority of the population speaks the language.”
Does the UAE speak English? UAE and Dubai
The United Arab Emirates is a nation in the Middle East. As a result, there is a widespread misperception that people in this country solely speak Arabic. Nothing could possibly be further from the truth. Yes, English is widely spoken in the United Arab Emirates. The official language of the United Arab Emirates, however, is Arabic. In all aspects of government and public sector activity, Arabic is the language of communication. Legal translation services are commonly accessible throughout the country for those who are not fluent in the Arabic language.
It is not necessary to study Arabic in order to travel to or conduct business in Dubai or the United Arab Emirates.
There is nothing to be concerned about; you are in good shape.
The following is a statistical record based on the overall population density of UAE residents who are of different national origins.
- Emirates citizens constitute 11.6 percent of the population
- Other Arab and Iranian nations constitute 16.2 percent
- South Asian citizens constitute 59.4 percent
- Other expatriate nationalities (including Westerners, East Asians, and Africans) constitute 12.8 percent.
Global Media Insight created these infographics about the expat population in the United Arab Emirates in 2020. Of course, when there are so many different nationalities present in a single country, it becomes necessary to have a common language of communication in order to facilitate understanding between one another; in the case of the United Arab Emirates, the common language of communication of choice is English. But you should be aware that there are a number of languages spoken in the region, which I will make sure to mention in this article.
Arabic or English is the language spoken in UAE airports
At the immigration gate, you’ll need to know either English or Arabic. Although the officials at the immigration desk are fluent in English, you may have difficulties understanding them due to their regional accent. Their queries are standard immigration counter-questioning material. What is the purpose of the visit? What is the duration of your visit? Do you have a ticket for the return trip? Please stare into the camera in order to take the photograph.
Taxi drivers in the UAE can speak English – good or broken
The majority of taxi drivers in the United Arab Emirates communicate in broken English. This suggests that everything is going to be alright for you. Instruct them to use GPS / Google Maps location services, and they will transport you to your desired place. However, unless your taxi driver is from another Middle Eastern nation or the North African region, speaking Arabic will not be of much use in navigating the city.
App-based taxi services like as Uber are also highly popular in the United Arab Emirates. Careem is the most widely used taxi application. You may give it a go. Their services, on the other hand, are restricted to a few well-known locations.
Arabic is the language used by the Government / Public Sector in the UAE
Because Arabic is the official language of the United Arab Emirates, it goes without saying that the government, public sector, police, and courts all do business in Arabic. In order for them to accept your papers, they will require that they be legally translated into the Arabic language. There will be a few translation facilities running in the vicinity of every government office to assist you with your needs. These are the first areas where Emiratisation has taken place, which indicates that the officers assigned to these posts will be predominantly locals or Emiratis.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi, two highly developed Emirates, have made substantial efforts to make government offices more welcoming to the enormous community of expatriates and to encourage foreign investment into their countries.
English is the language used at counters, hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions in the UAE
Knowing how to do business in English is sufficient in all of these locations. You are not need to speak Arabic. Having simply a working knowledge of Arabic will not make your life any simpler. All of these establishments will have employed expats, who will communicate mostly in English at work and can assist you if you have a common mother tongue, or they can identify a co-worker who is fluent in your original language.
Language of road signs and name boards in the UAE is increasingly English
Road signs in the United Arab Emirates are becoming more in English. It is possible to get both English and Arabic translations in some locations. In the United Arab Emirates, driving on the basis of traffic signs is not difficult. It is expected that you will have completed our few examinations that will determine your ability to read and comprehend these documents in order to obtain a driver’s license. Road Signs in the United Arab Emirates
Languages taught and learned in the schools of the UAE
Government schools in the United Arab Emirates follow an uniform curriculum in which Arabic is used as the medium of instruction for all disciplines. English is taught as a second language and is utilized in the teaching of technical and scientific topics in the United States and Canada. Private schools frequently provide a variety of curriculum options, including, but not limited to, the International Baccalaureate (IB), the UAE’s Ministry of Education, British, American, French, German, Indian, Pakistani, and Filipino curricula, among others.
Arabic becomes a second language for many people.
Popular languages in the UAE
This language has been established as the historical language of the United Arab Emirates, making it the official language of the nation.
All government matters are handled in Arabic, and the regulations and laws of the country are also written in Arabic. The Emiratis (the residents of the United Arab Emirates) are mostly Arabic speakers, thus if you speak Arabic, you will be more welcomed by the locals.
English
Until 1971, the United Arab Emirates was a British-occupied territory, which explains why English is the major bride language (lingua franca) and the unofficial business language in the country.
Urdu
Because Pakistanis account for around 12.69 percent of the UAE’s population, Urdu (Pakistan’s official language) is extensively spoken throughout the country.
Hindi
Indians constitute around 27.49 percent of the population of the United Arab Emirates. As a result, Hindi is widely known and spoken in the United Arab Emirates. Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Punjabi, Gujarati, and other Indian languages are also widely spoken in the United Arab Emirates.
Farsi / Persian
Persian, which is sometimes known as Farsi, is another minority language spoken in the United Arab Emirates. Iranians are the only ones who speak it. They account for around 5% of the population of the United Arab Emirates.
Tagalog
With a rising number of Filipino citizens in the UAE (about 5.59 percent in 2020), Tagalog and its regional dialects are becoming increasingly popular in the UAE.
Arabic phrases common in the UAE
You may get by in the United Arab Emirates just by speaking English, however there are a few Arabic words that you may come across in your usual everyday chats. Here are a few key terms to keep in mind: In Arabic, “As-salam Alaykum” means “peace be upon you,” and the answer is “Wa Alaykum as-salam,” which means “peace be unto you as well,” which means “peace be upon you as well.” When you meet Arabs, you should say “Marhaba,” which means “Hello.” It is a courteous way of welcoming them. Although it technically translates as “Good morning,” it is also a typical way of greeting people in many cultures.
Shukran: This simply translates as “Thank you,” and it is used to express gratitude.
You might find some of these Arabic words difficult to say at first, but if you purchase a sound clip and practice, you’ll soon be able to speak them confidently.
To Conclude- if you can speak English you will do just fine.
To summarize, we may say that the United Arab Emirates has two official languages, which are Arabic and English. Because the bulk of the population consists of non-Arabic speaking expatriates, there is a need for a common language of communication, which has resulted in English being the language of choice for most people. All signs and boards are bilingual (Arabic with English subtitles), and while judicial orders and government paperwork are written in Arabic, you should not consider your inability to communicate in Arabic as a barrier to living in the United Arab Emirates.
Meanwhile, in each public company you visit, you will always be able to locate someone who can communicate well in English.
Dubai makes extensive use of tour-friendly language abilities, which can be seen all over the place in the city. As a result, while knowing Arabic might be beneficial, it is not required.
What language do they speak in Dubai?
What language do the people of Dubai speak?
Dubai
Dubai is a city in the United Arab Emirates and the capital of the Emirate of Dubai. It is the world’s most expensive city. It boasts a population of more than three million people and is a significant international financial and commercial hub.
Answer and Explanation:
Dubai’s official language is Arabic, which is also its national language. In reality, this is the official language of the whole country of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). English, on the other hand, is widely spoken. See the complete response below for more information.
Learn more about this topic:
Government, language, and religion of the United Arab Emirates are covered in Chapter 19/Lesson 11. A very short period of time has seen the United Arab Emirates develop to become one of the most prominent economic hubs in the Middle East. In this lesson, we will learn about the way of living in this country.