Dubai Dialect Arabic: Common Words and Phrases to Blend in With Locals

Introduction

Dubai is one of the world’s most international cities, where over 80% of the population are expatriates. English is widely spoken, but if you really want to connect with locals and blend in, learning a few words of Emirati Arabic (Dubai dialect) makes a huge difference.

Why? Because language is more than communication—it’s a sign of respect. When you greet a shopkeeper in Arabic or thank a taxi driver in his own dialect, you instantly break barriers and show genuine interest in the culture.

Many learners assume they need to master Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) before speaking, but in daily life across Dubai, people use Emirati Arabic, a variety of Gulf Arabic. The good news? You don’t need years of study. With the right approach, you can pick up essential phrases quickly and start speaking confidently within weeks.

This guide is a practical phrasebook with context. We’ll cover the most useful words, cultural etiquette, and smart tips so you can learn Arabic fast, use it in real situations, and sound natural in Dubai.

Understanding Emirati (Dubai) Arabic

What Is Emirati Arabic?

Emirati Arabic is part of the Gulf Arabic family, spoken in the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, parts of Oman, and eastern Saudi Arabia. While locals understand Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) from school and media, they rarely use it in daily conversations. Instead, you’ll hear the Dubai dialect, which is friendly, rhythmic, and full of local expressions.

Key Differences from Standard Arabic

• Pronunciation:
  • The letter ق (qāf) is often pronounced as a soft “g” (like in “go”).
    • Example: qalb (heart) in MSA → galb in Emirati Arabic.
  • Vocabulary: Some words differ from MSA or Egyptian/Levantine.
    • “I want” in MSA = أريد (urīd), but in Emirati = أبغي (abghī).
  • Negation: Instead of لا (lā), locals often use مب (mub) for “not.”

When to Use Emirati Arabic vs. English

In Dubai, most business and government interactions can be handled in English. However, using Arabic:

• In greetings and polite expressions makes a strong positive impression.
• In markets, taxis, and casual chats builds rapport with Emiratis.
• In social gatherings, even a few words show respect for tradition.

Think of Emirati Arabic as your “cultural key”—you don’t need fluency to unlock doors, but a handful of phrases will make your experience far richer.

Essential Greetings and Social Etiquette

In Dubai, greetings are more than just polite words — they’re an important part of culture and daily life. Using the right expressions not only helps you blend in but also shows respect for Emirati traditions.

Basic Greetings You’ll Hear Everywhere

• السلام عليكم (as-salāmu ʿalaykum) → “Peace be upon you.”
  • The universal Arabic greeting, used in both formal and casual contexts.
• وعليكم السلام (wa-ʿalaykum as-salām) → “And upon you peace.”
  • The correct response.
• مرحبا (marḥaba) →
• هلا (halā) → Hi / Hey (very common in Dubai).
• كيف الحال؟ (kayf al-ḥāl?) → How are you?
• زين / زينة (zayn / zīna) → Good (masculine / feminine).

📌 Tip: Always greet first — it’s seen as polite and friendly.

Polite Words That Locals Appreciate

• شكراً (shukran) → Thank you.
• عفواً (ʿafwan) → You’re welcome.
• من فضلِك (min faḍlik) → Please (to a man).
• من فضلِج (min faḍlich) → Please (to a woman).
• لو سمحت (law samaḥt) → Excuse me / Please.

These little words go a long way in creating goodwill.

Respect and Etiquette in Greetings

1. Handshakes: Men usually shake hands lightly using the right hand only. Avoid offering the left hand, as it’s considered impolite.
2. Between men and women: Some Emirati women may not shake hands with men for cultural reasons. A polite nod and verbal greeting are always safe.
3. Use titles: When addressing older people or those in authority, add “Sheikh” (for men) or “Sheikha” (for women) as a respectful title.
4. Lengthy greetings: Emiratis often extend greetings into short conversations, asking about family and health. Don’t rush through it — this shows genuine care.

Sample Exchange in Dubai Dialect

• A: السلام عليكم (as-salāmu ʿalaykum)
• B: وعليكم السلام (wa-ʿalaykum as-salām)
• A: شحالَك؟ (shḥālak? – How are you?, to a man)
• B: زين، الحمد لله (zayn, al-ḥamdu lillāh – Good, praise be to God)

This little dialogue alone can make you sound friendly and respectful when meeting locals in Dubai.

Everyday Survival Phrases

Even if you only learn a handful of expressions, these survival phrases will help you get around Dubai with confidence. They’re especially useful in taxis, markets, shops, and casual encounters.

Introducing Yourself

• أنا اسمي… (anā ismī …) → My name is…
• أنا من… (anā min …) → I am from…
• تشرفنا (tasharrafnā) → Nice to meet you.

📌 Tip: Emiratis appreciate when you make the effort to introduce yourself in Arabic, even if the conversation continues in English.

Asking Questions

• وين…؟ (wayn …?) → Where is…?
  • Example: وين الحمام؟ (wayn al-ḥammām?) → Where’s the bathroom?
• كم السعر؟ (kam as-siʿr?) → How much is it?
• شو هذا؟ (shū hādhā?) → What’s this?
• متى؟ (matā?) → When?
• ليش؟ (līsh?) → Why?

These short question words are very common in Dubai speech.

Getting Around

• وقف هنا (waqqif hina) → Stop here.
• روح يمين (rūḥ yamīn) → Go right.
• روح يسار (rūḥ yasār) → Go left.
• على طول (ʿalā ṭūl) → Straight ahead.
• قريب (gharīb / ghrīb) → Nearby / close.
• بعيد (baʿīd) →

Perfect for taxis or when asking for directions.

Numbers and Money Basics

• واحد (wāḥid) → 1
• اثنين (ithnayn) → 2
• ثلاثة (thalātha) → 3
• خمسة (khamsa) → 5
• عشرة (ʿashra) → 10
• مية (miyya) → 100

💡 In markets or small shops, you may hear “dirham” (AED currency). Example: خمسين درهم (khamsīn dirham) → 50 dirhams.

Helpful Everyday Expressions

• ممكن…؟ (mumkin …?) → Can I / May I …?
• ماشي (māshī) → Okay / Alright.
• مب فاهم (mub fāhim) → I don’t understand (to a man).
• مب فاهمة (mub fāhma) → I don’t understand (to a woman).
• عادي (ʿādī) → No problem / It’s fine.

With these phrases, you’ll be able to shop, ask for directions, and handle daily situations in Dubai without switching to English immediately.

Food and Dining Phrases

Food is at the heart of Emirati hospitality, and Dubai is famous for both its traditional dishes and its international dining scene. Whether you’re enjoying a meal in a local restaurant or sipping Arabic coffee in a majlis (traditional sitting room), knowing a few food-related phrases will help you connect instantly.

Ordering Food

In Dubai’s Emirati dialect, people often use أبغي (abghī) instead of the formal أريد (urīd) for “I want.”

• أبغي ماء (abghī māy) → I want water.
• أبغي قهوة عربية (abghī gahwa ʿarabiyya) → I want Arabic coffee.
• عطيني القائمة لو سمحت (ʿaṭīnī al-qāʾima law samaḥt) → Give me the menu, please.
• الحساب لو سمحت (al-ḥisāb law samaḥt) → The bill, please.

📌 Tip: Always add “لو سمحت” (law samaḥt – please) for politeness.

Common Words You’ll Hear in Restaurants

• أكل (akl) → Food
• شاي (shāy) → Tea
• خبز (khubz) → Bread
• رز (ruzz) → Rice
• لحم (laḥm) → Meat
• دجاج (dajāj) → Chicken
• سمك (samak) → Fish

Popular Emirati Dishes to Know

If you mention these dishes by name, locals will smile at your effort:

• مجبوس (machbūs) → A spiced rice dish with meat or fish.
• هريس (harees) → Crushed wheat with meat, slow-cooked to a porridge-like texture.
• لقيمات (luqaimāt) → Sweet fried dough balls with date syrup.
• ثريد (tharīd) → Bread soaked in meat stew.

💡 These dishes are especially popular during Ramadan gatherings.

Polite Phrases Around Food

Hospitality is deeply rooted in Emirati culture. Be ready with these expressions:

• تفضل (tafaḍḍal) → Please (offering something, to a man).
• تفضلي (tafaḍḍalī) → Please (offering something, to a woman).
• صحة وعافية (ṣiḥḥa wa ʿāfiya) → Said when someone starts eating (“health and wellness to you”).
• الله يسلمك (Allāh yisallmak) → Common reply to the above (“may God keep you safe”).

📌 Etiquette tip: If offered food or coffee, it’s polite to accept at least a little, even if you’re not hungry. Refusing can sometimes be seen as unfriendly.

Sample Restaurant Dialogue

• Guest: أبغي شاي بالحليب (abghī shāy bil-ḥalīb) → I want tea with milk.
• Waiter: حاضر (ḥāḍir) → Sure / Right away.
• Guest: الحساب لو سمحت (al-ḥisāb law samaḥt) → The bill, please.

With just these few phrases, you’ll be able to order confidently, enjoy local food, and participate in Emirati hospitality.

Work and Business Etiquette

Dubai is a global business hub where English is widely used in offices and meetings. However, even a few Arabic phrases in the workplace can show cultural awareness, respect, and help build stronger professional relationships. Emiratis especially value politeness, patience, and respect for tradition in business settings.

Professional Phrases to Use

• تشرفنا (tasharrafnā) → Nice to meet you.
• مرحبتين (marḥabtayn) → A very warm welcome (literally “two hellos”).
• إن شاء الله (in shāʾ Allāh) → God willing.
  • Commonly used when discussing future plans or commitments.
• بإذن الله (biʾidhni Allāh) → With God’s permission.
• مع السلامة (maʿ as-salāma) →

📌 Tip: إن شاء الله is not just religious—it’s cultural. Use it when talking about anything planned in the future: “We’ll meet tomorrow, in shāʾ Allāh.”

Politeness and Formality in Business

1. Respect titles and hierarchy – Address people with titles like Sheikh, Doctor, or Engineer (Muhandis) if they hold one.
2. Handshakes – A light handshake with the right hand is common between men. Wait to see if a woman offers her hand before initiating.
3. Small talk matters – Business meetings often begin with casual greetings about health, family, or general well-being. Don’t rush straight into the main topic.
4. Patience is key – Emirati business culture values relationship-building over speed. Take time to show respect and listen.

Avoiding Slang in Business Contexts

While casual slang (like yallā or māshī) is fine with friends, it’s better to stick with polite, clear Arabic or English in professional settings. Using formal expressions demonstrates seriousness and professionalism.

Sample Business Interaction

• Visitor: السلام عليكم (as-salāmu ʿalaykum) → Peace be upon you.
• Local: وعليكم السلام (wa-ʿalaykum as-salām) → And upon you peace.
• Visitor: تشرفنا (tasharrafnā) → Nice to meet you.
• Local: أهلاً وسهلاً (ahlan wa sahlan) →
• Visitor: نتواصل غداً، إن شاء الله (natawāṣal ghad-an, in shāʾ Allāh) → We’ll be in touch tomorrow, God willing.

Just a few polite Arabic words can transform a purely transactional meeting into a relationship built on trust and respect.

Everyday Slang and Expressions to Blend In

While polite phrases are essential, everyday Dubai slang is what makes you sound truly natural and helps you bond with locals on a friendly level. Emiratis often mix Arabic with English and even Hindi/Urdu loanwords in casual speech, reflecting the city’s multicultural vibe.

Popular Dubai Slang Words

• هلا (halā) → Hi / Hey.
• تمام (tamām) → Great / Perfect.
• ماشي (māshī) → Okay / Alright.
• زحمة (zaḥma) → Traffic jam (very common in Dubai conversations!).
• خلاص (khalāṣ) → Enough / Done / That’s it.
• أوووف (ooof) → Expression of annoyance or surprise.
• يلا (yallā) → Let’s go / Hurry up.

📌 Tip: Locals often stretch the sound in “yallā” when encouraging someone.

Expressions You’ll Hear Every Day

• شو الأخبار؟ (shū al-akhbār?) → What’s the news? / How’s it going?
• وينك؟ (waynak?) → Where are you? (to a man)
• وينج؟ (waynich?) → Where are you? (to a woman)
• عايلتك زين؟ (ʿayltak zayn?) → Is your family well?
• حياك الله (ḥayyāk Allāh) → Welcome / You’re always welcome.

Common Responses

• الحمد لله (al-ḥamdu lillāh) → Praise be to God / I’m good.
• مب مشكلة (mub mushkila) → No problem.
• إنزين (inzayn) → Okay / Sounds good.

When and How to Use Slang

1. With friends or casual acquaintances – Slang creates warmth and friendliness.
2. In taxis, souks, and local cafés – It helps you connect instantly.
3. Not in formal business – Stick to polite or neutral phrases in work settings.

Mini Dialogue with Slang

• A: هلا! شو الأخبار؟ (halā! shū al-akhbār?) → Hey! How’s it going?
• B: تمام، الحمد لله. (tamām, al-ḥamdu lillāh) → Great, thank God.
• A: يلا نروح؟ (yallā nrūḥ?) → Shall we go?
• B: ماشي. (māshī) →

Just slipping in a few slang terms like tamām, yallā, khalāṣ, or zaḥma will instantly make you sound more in tune with the local vibe.

Tips for Learning Dubai Dialect Faster

Learning to speak Emirati Arabic (Dubai dialect) doesn’t mean memorizing endless grammar rules. Focus on practical strategies to get speaking quickly and build confidence.

1. Start with the 100 Most Common Words

Instead of overwhelming yourself with textbooks, begin with high-frequency words like:

• Greetings (as-salāmu ʿalaykum, shukran, māshī)
• Numbers (1–20)
• Directional words (yamīn – right, yasār – left, ʿalā ṭūl – straight)
• Polite phrases (law samaḥt – please, afwan – you’re welcome)

This gives you the core vocabulary to handle 80% of daily situations.

2. Use Emirati Media

Watch Emirati TV series, YouTube shows, or listen to local radio. Hearing the accent and rhythm helps you sound natural. Even 15 minutes a day builds your ear.

3. Practice with Taxi Drivers & Shopkeepers

Dubai is full of opportunities to practice casually:

• Greet your taxi driver with salaam ʿalaykum.
• Order coffee in Arabic.
• Try small talk (shḥālak? – how are you?).

Most locals will happily encourage your effort.

4. Learn Phrases, Not Just Words

Memorize ready-to-use phrases like:

• أبغي ماي (abghī māy) → I want water.
• مب فاهم (mub fāhim) → I don’t understand.
• خلاص، شكراً (khalāṣ, shukran) → That’s it, thanks.

This way, you can communicate right away, even with limited vocabulary.

5. Blend Arabic into Your Routine

• Change your phone settings to Arabic for immersion.
• Label household items with sticky notes (Arabic names).
• Dedicate 10 minutes daily to speaking out loud.

Consistency beats cramming.

6. Be Patient with Yourself

Locals in Dubai don’t expect you to be fluent. Even one or two phrases in the Dubai dialect will impress them. Progress comes faster when you focus on communication, not perfection.

Conclusion

Dubai is a melting pot of cultures, but Emirati Arabic remains the key to local connection. By learning just a few greetings, survival phrases, food expressions, and common slang, you’ll find yourself blending in with locals, earning smiles, and deepening your cultural experience.

Whether you’re a tourist, an expat, or a professional, using even simple Arabic expressions shows respect and openness—qualities highly valued in Emirati culture.

So next time you step into a taxi, order food, or greet a colleague in Dubai, try out a phrase or two in Arabic. You’ll be surprised how quickly a small effort turns into big connections.

يلا، ابتدي اليوم! (yallā, ibtidī al-yawm!) → Come on, start today!