What is the most common language spoken in Dubai?
- Together with Arabic and English, Hindi is one of the most spoken languages in Dubai and it is generally the most widespread mother tongue, followed by Urdu, which is the national language of Pakistan and is spoken by Indians and Pakistani who represent the majority of the population.
What language is mostly 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 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.
Is English an official language in Dubai?
The predominant languages in the UAE are Arabic and English. You can get around with speaking just English, but there are many Arabic terms you may come across in daily conversation.
What is UAE official language?
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.
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.
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.
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 you need to speak Arabic in Dubai?
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 French spoken in Dubai?
France is the third foreign investor in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi & in the Emirate of Dubai. The French language is used in every sector from aerospace, public transport, banking, insurance, renewable energy and oil & gas.
Does everyone in UAE speak English?
Therefore, English as a Second Language is used more by everyone. According to a survey it has been observed that 75% of people living in Dubai, United Arab Emirates are speaking English and 25% of people speak Arabic.
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 Saudi Arabia in UAE?
Saudi Arabia maintains an embassy in Abu Dhabi and a consulate in Dubai while the U.A.E. has an embassy in Riyadh and consulate in Jeddah. Both countries are neighbours and as part of the Middle East and Persian Gulf region, share extensive political and cultural ties.
Is Qatar part of UAE?
Qatar–United Arab Emirates relations are the relations between Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Both countries share a naval border and are part of the Arabic-speaking Persian Gulf region. They are both members of the GCC.
Is Arabic spoken in UAE?
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.
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
When it comes to business, trade, and tourism in Dubai, English is by far the most frequently spoken language in the country. Approximately 75% of Dubai’s population is made up of expatriates, the majority of whom are fluent in English and/or their native language. There are many different nationalities working in Dubai, therefore it is probable that you will be able to locate someone who speaks your native 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 while in Dubai.
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.
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
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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 inquiry or as an expression that roughly translates as ‘what on earth are you doing?!’ or something similar.
Dubai at Night If you find yourself in a sticky situation where you need to communicate 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).
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 declared 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 not the Arabic that is used in official 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 treated 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.
Both Arabic and English language signs, hoardings, and hotel names may be found on the property’s exterior. English has also had an impact on several of the indigenous languages, as well. Finally, English may be regarded as the main language in Dubai, which is a fair assessment.
Languages by Immigrants
Source Hard-working laborers from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and other South Asian countries have contributed to Dubai’s ever-changing landscape. 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.
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?
Language in Dubai
Although Arabic is the official language of Dubai, English is the language that is spoken by the majority of the population. With the exception of a tiny number of indigenous Emiratis who constitute a small proportion of the total population, practically everyone who lives in or travels to Dubai can communicate in at least rudimentary English. A combination of Arabic and English is used on street signs and public documents. The majority of information is posted in both Arabic and English (or only English) in public locations such as hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, beach clubs, sports facilities, entertainment complexes, and other public places, and the majority of the personnel is fluent in English.
- Emiratis (also known as “locals” in some circles) are Arabic speakers who speak a Gulf dialect of the language.
- Gulf Arabic has a guttural tone that differs from classic Arabic, and it has been influenced by some Persian words, as well.
- Please keep in mind that the terms “M/F” and “M/F” refer to whether you are speaking to a male or a female.
- When you greet or thank someone in Arabic, they will appreciate your efforts.
- NoLa’Thank you so much.
- La shu-kran (La shu-kran) Min fadlak/min fadliki (M/F) will be appreciated.
- God willing, Ya-llahGod willing In-sha-la Please accept my apologies.
Greetings!
Sabahh el-kheer is an Arabic phrase that means “sabahh the king.” Hello and good morning (response) Sabah in-nuwr is an Arabic phrase that means “sabah in the night.” Good evening and good luck.
Good evening and good luck (response) Massa’ in-nuwr (Massa’ in-nuwr) Welcome Ah-hlan wa sah-hlan (ah-hlan and sah-hlan) Response Ahh-lan beek/beeki (M/F) is pronounced as Greetings/Welcome Mar-haba How are you doing?
(M/F) Thank you very much.
All hail the hum-duleh-la Great Zay al foll is an Arabic phrase that means “the foll of Zay” or “the foll of Zay.” What’s your name, by the way?
(M/F) Hello, my name is Is-mee.
Inta min-ayn/Inti min-ayn is a question.
Ame-ri-ki Britain Brai-ta-niEurope O-ro-piIndia Alas, alas, alas, alas It’s been a pleasure getting to know you, Forsa sai-eeda.
When you compare the names of the days to the numbers, you’ll notice that they are simply numbered in the same order as the numbers.
Sundayyom al was a holiday.
Tuesdayyom al talaat Wednesdayyom al arba’Thursdayyom al khamees Fridayyom al goma’ Saturdayyom as-sebt Day/daysyom/ayam Week/weeks isbu- a’/asabee-a’Month/months shahr/shahour Todayan-nahar-da Yesterdayimber-ihh Tomorrowboukra Nowdil-wa’atee/al-an Laterbadayn Statements of Fact I understandAna fahim/ana fahma (M/F) I don’t understand Ana mu fa-him/ana mu fahhma (M/F) I’m sick Ana ay-yan/Ana ay-yana I likeAna beheb I don’t like Ana mabeh-bish I want.
- Ana areedI want to buy.
- Shuw?
- Laysh?
- Meen?
- Mata?
- Wayn?
- Kayf?
Mumkin?
Mumkin min fadhlak?
Yanni eh?
Wayn aghrab?
the Corniche?
What time is it?
It is.
-Mumkin atfarag-ha?
-Bikaam?
huge -kabeercheap -arkheesempty -faadiexpensive -ghalee-free -halismall -sagheer -That’s pricey!
Other Useful Nounsairport -mataarbed -sareerbeer -beerabill/restaurant check -hes-sabbike -agalacafe -maghacar -arabeyadoor -babentrance/main door -bab al reisiembassy -saffara Saffarat is home to the American embassy.
Braitanigas/petrol -betrolgas filling station Mustashfamoney -Mahattat Betrol Hospital -Fallous Museum -Moustashfamoney -methafnothing -walla hagapharmacy -sayidalayarestaurant -mat’amroom -ughfataxi -taksthing -hagawater -maiyamineral water -maiya madaneya -methafnothing -walla hagapharmacy -sayidalayarestaurant -mat’amroom -ughfataxi -taksthing Note: Although this information was correct at the time of publication, it is subject to change without notice.
Please double-check all pricing and information directly with the company in question before finalizing your travel arrangements.
What Language Is Spoken In Dubai?
Many newcomers to Dubai may be curious about 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 surprised 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 growth of the business sector and the large number of expatriates who have immigrated to the country.
Language Basics for Travelling to Dubai
The fact that you can conduct business and travel in English does not diminish the importance of learning at least a few common Arabic phrases for courtesy’s sake.
How to Say Hello in Arabic
Despite the fact that you may do business and travel in English, it is polite to acquire at least a few basic Arabic phrases before traveling.
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 move forward. 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.
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In Arabic, many of the words listed above are not usually pronounced in the manner that they appear, so 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 better yet, watch the YouTube video included below, which I find to be really helpful and informative.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. Stay tuned for more on TravelLiving inDubaiAbu Dhabi in the coming weeks! On Pinterest, we have a board dedicated to you. Also, be sure to subscribe to theYouTube channel. Perhaps This Is Something You’d Enjoy
Currency
The dirham is the official currency of the country, and it is pegged at AED 3.67 to one US dollar.
Area
30.3 lakh rupees (4 Apr 2018)
People
The residents of Dubai. The native population of the United Arab Emirates is referred to as Emiratis.
Languages
Dubai’s citizens. Emiratis are the natives of the United Arab Emirates who are widely known around the world.
Non-Arabic languages spoken in Dubai
When it comes to business, trade, and tourism in Dubai, English is by far the most frequently spoken language in the country. Approximately 75% of Dubai’s population is made up of expats, the majority of whom are fluent in English and/or their original language. There are many different nationalities working in Dubai, therefore it is probable that you will be able to locate someone who speaks your native 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 while in Dubai.
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.
Religion
Religion in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates is Islam, which is the official religion of both countries. Following different religions (with the exception of Judaism) is accepted in this country, which is one of the most tolerant in the Middle East. Visitors are expected to respect Islam, as well as Arabic culture and regulations.
Government
The Government of Dubai (Arabic: ) is the government of the Emirate of Dubai, which is one of the seven component monarchies that make up the United Arab Emirates. The Emirate of Dubai is governed by the Government of Dubai. The Emir of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is the chief executive of the government and is responsible for all policy decisions. In addition to the Dubai Municipality, it has control over a large number of other governmental institutions.
Economic Profile
In addition to having a high per capita income and a substantial yearly trade surplus, the UAE boasts an open economy. Economic diversification measures have been successful in reducing the share of GDP derived from the oil and gas industry to 30 percent. Almost 60 years have passed since the discovery of oil in the United Arab Emirates, and the nation has seen a significant metamorphosis, going from being a destitute area of petty desert princes to a modern state with a good quality of life.
The country’s free trade zones, which allow for 100 percent foreign ownership and zero taxation, are assisting in attracting foreign investors to the country.
Currency
In addition to having a high per capita income and a significant yearly trade surplus, the United Arab Emirates boasts an open economy. Following years of successful work, the oil and gas sector now accounts for 30 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP). From its beginnings as a destitute area of tiny desert republics about 60 years ago, the United Arab Emirates has experienced a dramatic change into a modern state with an exceptionally high level of life. Job development and infrastructure growth have both seen a rise in government investment, and the government is opening up utilities to greater private sector participation as well.
Time Diff
Dubai (United Arab Emirates) is one hour and thirty minutes behind India in terms of time.
Climate
The line of the Tropic of Cancer passes across the United Arab Emirates, causing the weather in Dubai to be warm and pleasant. In the winter, the average daily temperature is 25°C, with temperatures closer to the shore 12-15°C and temperatures in the desert or mountains 5°C. Because the nights are reasonably chilly, it is possible to go swimming. Humidity levels near coastal locations might range between 50 and 60 percent on a daily basis. Dubai has extremely hot and humid conditions throughout the summer, with temperatures reaching the mid-40s.
When it rains in Dubai, it is uncommon and does not continue for an extended amount of time.
Rain falls on average only five days per year on average.
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 people 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 travelers use Dubai International Airport as a stopover before continuing on to their final destination, so learning a few key phrases will 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 citizens and is an important part 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
Urdu is also one of the most widely spoken languages in Dubai. There are a large number of Indian residents in the country, and urdu is the language that they use to communicate with one another and with the government. The language of Urdu, in contrast to the other languages listed above, is only spoken by Indian inhabitants, and the majority of residents from other nations do not speak it. You would most likely be able to interact with ease in the nation if you do not speak Urdu.
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.”
Most Spoken Languages In UAE
- Date of publication: Monday, May 17, 2021 The most recent update was on Tuesday, May 18, 2021.
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 in the United Arab Emirates is made up of expatriates, the majority of whom speak English and/or their native 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.
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 only 1.4 million people, with expatriates accounting for nearly 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 used 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 in Indian schools, which are primarily owned and operated by wealthy 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 endowed with a plethora of languages, which are spoken by a diverse range of immigrants. Because of the wide variety of languages spoken in the country, it has become a cultural hotspot, and tourists flock to the country to experience the various cultures on offer. Additionally, the country’s rich diversity of languages makes it a desirable location for businesspeople to conduct their operations.
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 multiple languages becomes increasingly important for residents 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 verbal. 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.
UAE makes Arabic official language
Earlier this week, the UAE government announced that Arabic will be the official language in all federal authorities and establishments starting on Monday. Intellectuals in the United Arab Emirates applauded the decision and urged on local governments and private institutions to follow suit. In his opinion, the move, which has been long overdue, is a positive step toward enhancing national identity. Dr Ebtisam Al Kitbi, Professor of Political Science at the UAE University in Al Ain, agreed that it was a positive step forward.
The action, according to Al Kitbi, “would increase the presence of Arab-speaking persons in the labor market and help to reestablish the nation’s national identity.” She stated that the decision is in accordance with the Constitution of the United Arab Emirates, which specifies that Arabic is the official language of the country without exception.
- “This will help to correct the imbalance,” she explained.
- People there communicate in a variety of languages, but you will never see them speaking anything other than their native language at work.
- ALPA Secretary-General Ali Abdul Kadir Al Khalaf stated that he and his colleagues in the Sharjah-based Arabic Language Protection Association (ALPA) had been working for almost ten years to increase the usage of Arabic throughout the UAE.
- According to Al Khalaf, “we are hoping to see comparable promises from governments in the various emirates as well as from the business community.” He stated that the ALPA is looking forward to the government making more steps to emphasize the national character in 2008.
- “The language choice was simply an application of that initiative,” he added.
What Language Is Spoken In Dubai?
There are around 200 nationalities represented among the more than 3 million people that live in Dubai. A affluent city, Dubai is a nice destination to visit because of the affluence of the population there.
The city is a dynamic woven artwork of customs, food, and languages that has been stitched together by Emiratis from the surrounding neighborhoods whose heritage is still firmly established in the area.
Official Language in Dubai
Although “Arabic” is the official language of Dubai, there are no dialects of the language spoken in the city. There are two types of Arabic: “Standard Arabic,” which is highly current, and a literary form, which you will face in all legal proceedings, newspapers, and other publications. However, it is not regarded as a colloquial dialect in the United Arab Emirates. Because spoken Arabic is impacted by many different places, there are many distinct dialects. The local people speak a separate dialect known as “Gulf Arabic” or “Khaleeji,” which is a dialect of spoken Arabic.
The influence of Arabic-speaking people from the Maghreb, Sudan, and other Middle Eastern countries, on the other hand, adds their own unique touch and enunciation to the city’s etymological combination.
English Language in Dubai
Many individuals in Dubai communicate in English. Given the large number of exiles in the area, the vast majority of whom speak English as a first or second language, you will find it easy to move around. English is the language of choice for everything from street signs and menus to telephone catalogs and public transportation vehicles. All employees in the administration industry are also fluent in the language, allowing you to place orders, shop, and conduct research with ease in your own tongue.
Other Languages Spoken in Dubai
Expats make up 85 percent of the population of Dubai, with 71 percent of them being from Asia. There are several countries engaged, the majority of which being India. Other countries involved include Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Philippines. As a result, you will notice that Hindi, Urdu, and Tagalog are widely spoken, as are Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil, and Persian, among other languages. There is a substantial number of shippers from the Indian Subcontinent in Dubai’s traditional souks, which are open to the public.
Furthermore, the usage of “Mandarin” is expanding in Dubai at a far higher rate.
In addition, the Dubai Mall has signs in both English and Mandarin.
What if you Can’t Speak English or Arabic
For tourists, Dubai provides a variety of articles and recommendations in a variety of languages, including Spanish and Japanese. You may also utilize the “Visit Dubai App,” which is available in a variety of languages including Arabic, English, German, Russian, and others.
Dubai Slang
The fact that Dubai is home to a diverse range of ethnicities explains why specific words have developed throughout the years that are unique found in Dubai. When the languages of Arabic, Hindi, and Tagalog were combined, they produced a well-known vernacular. The following are some examples:
- Maffei Mushkil (No problem) is an Arabic phrase that means “no problem.” Habibi (my darling) – For addressing someone with courtesy
- (Quick quick) is a Hindi phrase that means “quick quick.”
Multilingualism and the role of English in the United Arab Emirates
| Emirati | Non-Emirati | |
|---|---|---|
| Female | 141 | 299 |
| Male | 67 | 185 |
2.3 Language repertoires
The average number of languages reported by our participants was 2.8, however a significant percentage of them claimed speaking more than one language (see Figure3). A total of 42 individuals claimed to be fluent in five languages. Only seven people indicated that they only spoke one language. Non-Emiratis routinely claimed knowing more languages than Emiratis, despite the fact that the latter are the majority in the country. There was a statistically significant difference between them and the other groups in terms of multilingualism (t = 3.2059 (df = 455.15), and the p-value was 0.001442).
- English and Arabic are the languages that are most often declared (see Figure4).
- This is not surprising, considering that the questionnaire was presented in the English language, at a university with a majority of students speaking English as their first language.
- Despite the fact that this proportion is substantially smaller than that of Emiratis, it is nevertheless high enough to demand more investigation in future study studies.
- Languages spoken by citizens, according to citizenship According to Figure5, self-assessed competency in both English and Arabic is typically fairly good, as can be seen in the data.
- It is noteworthy that English competence is typically higher than Arabic proficiency, and that the range of proficiency is less than in Arabic.
- For the total sample, the mean self-assessed competency scores in English and Arabic were calculated.
- 2First and foremost, the mean English proficiency of foreigners (5.33, where 6 indicates’mastery’ and 1 indicates ‘beginning’) is greater than that of citizens (5.02).
(4.67).
It also demonstrates that Emiratis’ proficiency in English and Arabic are more similar to one another than those of foreigners, indicating the emergence of a bilingual society that is equally at ease in both languages in the near future.
In fact, as seen in Figure 6, the profile Arabic + English has by far the most currency: Only these two languages are known by 302 respondents out of 692 (44 percent) who answered the survey questions.
With another 58 people, the profile Arabic+English+other’ is followed by another 58 people, and so on (8 per cent).
By citizenship, the number of pupils in each language combination, or ‘profile,’ is calculated.
In terms of repertory, there are only minor distinctions between Emiratis and non-Emiratis that may be seen.
It is only in the less frequent combinations that there are significant differences: the profile English + Hindi + Urdu, for example, which is used by 27 non-Emiratis, is not detected in the Emirati sub-sample at all, although it is present in the non-Emiratis sub-sample.
It is worth mentioning that the specified languages that made the list, in addition to English and Arabic, comprise mostly languages from the Indian subcontinent (Urdu, Hindi, Malayalam), but also French and other European languages.
The latter is most likely owing to the extensive use of French as a preferred foreign language in many private schools throughout the United Arab Emirates, as well as the presence of migrants from countries such as the Maghreb, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Lebanon in the country.
3 GULF ENGLISH
The form of English spoken in the United Arab Emirates has been variously labeled as ‘UAE English’ (Boyle, 2012) or ‘Gulf English’ (Boyle, 2012). (Fussell,2011). Despite the fact that its distinguishing characteristics are still understudied, its importance as a lingua franca in a culture that is extensively bilingual is well acknowledged. Boyle (2012) lists several characteristics of the putative variety, including lexical and phraseological borrowings from Arabic: jebel (mountain), souk (market), guthra (traditional male headgear),abayah (black outer garment for females), and Inshallah (God willing).
Boyle (2011, pp.
Non-finite complement clauses in which the-toform is favoured over the-ingform (see (1) below), verbal transitivity with more flexibility (see (2)), and uncountable nouns with plural inflections (as shown in (3)) are examples of these.
- Is it your intention to carry out this large-scale project in phases? (2011) (Boyle,2011, p. 151)
- (2)He reassured the public not to worry and informed them that the authorities were keeping a careful eye on the course of the depression. (2011)
- (3)The two traded verbalabuses (Boyle, 2011, p. 153)
- And (4) (2012), p. 155
- Boyle (2011), p.
The fact that many of these characteristics are ubiquitous in lingua-franca English as well as in Outer Circle Englishes should be noted. Many variations are distinguished by the inflection of uncountable nouns for the plural, which is particularly prevalent (including Asian Englishes). In their research, Parra-Guinaldo and Lanteigne focused more explicitly on the English that is used as the lingua franca form of communication in the Dubai–Sharjah metropolitan area (2020). A special emphasis was placed in the study on morpho-syntactic features and categories, with omissions (auxiliarydo, auxiliary or copularbe, adverbial particles, determiners) being discovered to be particularly prevalent, as seen in instances (4) to (13).
One of the most non-standard categories is tense (present simple instead of progressive, perfect, or future, V-ingfor stative verbs, as illustrated in (8)), with word order coming in a close second (mostly left-dislocation).
(all examples from Parra-GuinaldoLanteigne,2020).
- (4)Whatever you choose to name it
- (5)This madam is on her way out, and her automobile is also for sale
- (6)This is the one you want me to change
- If you have a Shukran card, play it. (8)How long will you be staying here? (9)There is no plastic.
Because of the great level of geographic variety among the UAE’s resident population, many distinct varieties of English (whether spoken as a native, second, or foreign language) come into touch and have the ability to interact closely with one another in the UAE. In particular, this is true of the student population in our sample, which operates on a daily basis in an English-medium institution with peers from a variety of national backgrounds. Our corpus of spoken English provides a first picture of a variety of different speaker groups, each of which uses its own distinctive variations and code-switching behavior to communicate.
We get the sense, which we hope will be confirmed by a more in-depth study of the interviews, that speakers demonstrate varied degrees of convergent tolerance towards out-group norms when they are exposed to these groups in an educational environment.
How far such accommodations have become conventionalized, on the other hand, is an open topic, one that we expect to be able to answer in due course.
4 CONCLUSION
Despite the fact that the current study only scratched the surface of the fascinatingly complex linguistic landscape of the United Arab Emirates, we hope to have sparked new academic interest in the language attitudes and repertoires of the country’s citizens and transient international labor force. Having an expatriate population that is 85 percent English-speaking, and who communicates in various dialects of English both among themselves and with local Emiratis, the United Arab Emirates provides a fascinating language contact situation that promises to further our understanding of language mixture and leveling in world Englishe contexts.
Although UAE English is unquestionably a national lingua franca, we are seeing the beginnings of what may be referred to as “Gulf English,” a new variant of English that is being developed in the region.
It remains to be seen whether English will continue to localize or whether it will settle into a form that may be referred to as ‘International English’ (McKay,2002; Seidlhofer,2004).