Arabic Language
Arabic is the national language of the UAE. Other commonly used spoken languages in are English, Hindi, Urdu and Malayalam. English is widely used among the expatriates and nationals. A little bit of Arabic during conversation often brings warmer welcome for travelers in Abu Dhabi. Most road signs, shop names and restaurant menus are written both in English and Arabic languages. Some useful phrases, words and sentences are given below to improve the basic Arabic skill of travelers.
| Thank You | shukran |
| Praise be to God | al-hamdu l-illah |
| God willing | in shaa'a l-laah |
| Yes | na'am |
| No | la |
| Ok | Taieb |
| Finished | Khallas |
| Good | Kowaies |
| Bad | Muzain |
| Let's Go | Yallah |
| Enough | Bas |
| I am sorry | Mut 'assef |
| Never Mind | Maa Leesh |
| None, Nobody | Mafee |
| What | Shuw |
| Hello | marhaba / Marhabtayn (in reply) |
| How are you | kayf haalak (M) / kayf haalik (F) |
| Fine, Thank you | zayn, shukran (M) / zayna, shukran (F) |
| Welcome | ahlan wa sahlan |
| Welcome (in reply) | ahlan fiyak (M) / ahlan fiyaki (F) |
| Good Bye | ma is-salaama |
| Greeting (peace be upon you) | as-salaamu alaykom |
| Greeting (in reply) | wa alaykom is salaam |
| Good Morning | sabah in-khayr |
| Good Morning (in reply) | sabah in-nuwr |
| Good Evening | masa in-khayr |
| Good Evening (in reply) | masa in-nuwr |
Introductions in Arabic Language
After exchanging greetings, the most common way to introduce yourself is to say ismii Name (My name is Name). Then, ask the other person their name by saying maa ismuka / maa ismuki? (M/F) (What is your name?). After they tell you their name, it is customary to acknowledge the introduction by saying tasharrafnaa (Pleased to meet you).
Where are you from? : min wayn inta (M) / min wayn inti (F)
I am from Amercia / Britain / Europe / India : Anaa min ameriki / braitani / oropi / al hindi
| Zero | sifr |
| One | waahad |
| Two | ithnayn |
| Three | thalatha |
| Four | arba'a |
| Five | khamsa |
| Six | sitta |
| Seven | saba'a |
| Eight | thamaanya |
| Nine | tiss'a |
| Ten | ashara |
| Twenty | ashreen |
| Thirty | thalatheen |
| Fourty | arba en |
| Fifty | khamseen |
| Sixty | sitteen |
| Seventy | saba en |
| Eighty | thaman en |
| Ninety | tisa en |
| Hundred | miya |
| Thousand | alf |
Abu Dhabi is a multicultural society with several different nationalities living side by side. Individuals speaking the Arabic language always get priority in the job market here. There are many language centers in Abu Dhabi, especially in Al Ain provide training in preliminary, beginner, intermediate and advanced Arabic language for non-Arab speaking individuals. These courses are useful for non-Arabic speaking individuals to read and write Arabic using their own country’s language. This Arabic language training will be helpful to handle the daily routines especially if the job involves frequent interaction with Abu Dhabi hotels, restaurants, hospitals and Arabs.
