When visiting the UAE, arm yourself with these basic Arabic phrases and impress the locals, as well as your friends and family.

For all the best things to do in Dubai, click here

For things to do in Ras Al Khaimah, click here

For things to do in Sharjah, click here

Hello
Marhaba

How are you?
Kaeef halak

Good morning
Sabah el khair

Good evening
Massa el khair

Greetings
TaHiat

Goodbye
MaAa es-salama

Excuse me
MaAzera

Sorry
Asef

Please
MinFadlak

Stop
Tawaqaf

Thank you
Shukran-Lak

Yes/No
NaAm/La

I don’t Know
LaaAref

Where?/Why?
Ayna/Lemaza

How much?
Kam ath-thaman

How much does it cost?
Kam et-taklefa

How many?
Kam al Aadad

Do you speak English?
hal TaTaKalam alanglizia

I don’t speak arabic
ana La ataKalam El Aarabya

What is your name?
ma iSmaK

Nice to meet you
sarertu Lemuqabalatek

My name is…
ismii…

How do I get to?
Kaeef yomKanany El Hosool ala?

Where is…?
Ayna

Is this the way to..?
Hal haza howa et-tareeq ela?

Can I drive here?
Hal yomkanany El qayada hona

Is it safe/dangerous?
Hal howa aamen/khatar

Where can I buy…?
Ayna yomkanany shera?

Help!
mosaAda

I need a doctor
aHtaj ela Tabib

I have a fever
Aendee Huma

It hurts
Enahu Moalem

The pain is here
Al alam huna

Where is the bathroom?
Ayna Al Hamam

Do you have a phone?
Hal Ladika hatef

Where is the hospital?
Ayna Al mustashfaa

My car has broke down
Sayaratee TaAtalat

Where is the nearest garage/petrol station
Ayna aqrab Karaj/maHatet banseen

Where is the nearest cash machine?
Ayna aqrab Saraf aalee

I need water/food Can you take me to…?
aHtaj ela myah wa TaAam hal TastatiaA An TaaKhoznee Le

My friend is hurt or sick
sadeeqee moTaab/mareed

I Think I’m lost
Athonn Annani ta’eh

How do I get to?
Kayf yomkinouni al wousoul ila ?

Who?/What?
Man/Maza

Good night
Tosbeh Aala Khayr

Sweet dreams
Ahlam saaeedah / hanee’ah

Have a nice day
Atamanna lak yawm saeed

Where is the nearest PCR testing centre?
Ayna aqrab markaz li fuhusat al PCR?

Where can I get the Covid19 vaccine?
Ayna yomkinuni an akhoth toam Covid19?

Do you have hand sanitizer?
Hal ladayk muaakkem/mutahher lel yadayn?

What are the travel updates?
Ma hiya akher ejra’at al safar?

Facemask
Kammama

Where is the nearest Metro station?
Ayna aqrab mahattat Metro?

Can I see the menu?
Hal yomkinuni an ara ka’emat al taaam

I need advice
Ana bi haja ela nasiha

How’s the weather today/tomorrow?
Kayfa hal al taks al yawm / ghadan?

That’s beautiful
Innahu shay’ jameel

That’s tasty
Mathak jayyed

I’m hungry / thirsty
Inni jaa’eh / aatshan

How much time do you need?
Kam men al wakt yalzamok?

I have a problem with
Ladayy mushkila fi

I need / want
Ana bi haja ila / urid

Clothes
Malabes / Thyab

Eyes / nose/ mouth
Oyun / anf / fem

I love
Uheb