UAE communications: key phrases to know

When doing business with any country, it’s important that you remain respectful of its culture. Ignorance and an unwillingness to adapt to their ways of working will not place you in good stead with the decision makers you’re trying to impress.

When doing business with any country, it’s important that you remain respectful of its culture. Ignorance and an unwillingness to adapt to their ways of working will not place you in good stead with the decision makers you’re trying to impress.

 

One challenge that businesses often face when venturing into other countries is a language barrier. While a large proportion of Dubai’s population is English-speaking, the country’s official language is Arabic. To show your respect for the county’s culture, it’s wise to learn a few Arabic phrases which you can use in conversation with your contacts.

 

In this blog post, you’ll find some key Arabic phrases that you can use to improve your UAE communications.

 

Key Arabic Greetings & Phrases

Greetings

Hello marhaban or hala (informal)

Goodbyema’asalama

Welcomeahlan wa sahlan

Good morning – sabah alkhy

Good eveningmasa’ alkhayr

Pleased to meet youtasharafna

 

The following is another popular formal Arabic greeting in the UAE:

Peace be upon youassalaam alaykum

And peace be upon you (response) –  wa alaikum assalaam

 

Manners

Please – when addressing a male, use min fadlak. When addressing a female, use min fadlik.

Thank you shukran

You’re welcomeafwan

Congratulations – mabrook

No problem maafi mushki

Excuse meefu

How are you? – when addressing a male, use kayfa halak. When addressing a female, use kayfa halik.

I don’t understand – la afham

Do you speak English – hal tatahadath al’iinjlizia

 

Conversation starters

What is your name? – when addressing a male, use mā ismak. When addressing a female, use mā ismik.

My name isismee

Where are you from? – when addressing a male, use min ayna anta/i. When addressing a female, use min ayna anti.

 

Essential phrases

Yesna’am

Nola

Sorry – if you are male, use asif. If you are female, use asifa.

OK – hasananaan

 

Hopefully, by having a better understanding of these phrases, you can strengthen your UAE communications and build a better rapport with your clients in Dubai and further afield.

 

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