Languages of Dubai: what do people speak?

Home to more than three million people and around 200 nationalities, Dubai's wealth of cultures is what makes it an extraordinary place to visit. The city is a vibrant tapestry of traditions, cuisine and languages stitched together by local Emiratis whose legacy remains firmly rooted in the region.

What is the official language in Dubai?

Dubai's official language is Arabic but there are many variations prevalent in the city. Standard Arabic – the modernised, literary version – is the one you'll encounter in all legal, administrative and government texts, as well as books and newspapers. However, that's not the colloquial dialect. While spoken Arabic has different versions, influenced by different regions, most locals speak a dialect known as Gulf Arabic or Khaleeji.

The second most commonly used dialect is Egyptian Arabic, known as Masri. However, the influence of Arabic-speakers from the Maghreb, Sudan and other Middle Eastern countries add their own touch and inflection to the city's linguistic melting pot.

Do people speak English in Dubai?

Absolutely. 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. All members of the service industry also speak the language, so you can order, shop and explore with ease.

What other languages are spoken in Dubai?

Of the 85 per cent expat populations that live and work in Dubai, 71 per cent are from Asia. India accounts for more than half of that, while Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Philippines make up most of the rest. As a result, you'll find that Hindi, Urdu and Tagalog are widely spoken, along with Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil and Farsi.

Many of the merchants in Dubai's traditional souks are from the Indian subcontinent. If you can speak one of the languages or go shopping with someone who does, you might be able to bag great bargains.

Mandarin is also making a steady rise in appearance across Dubai. Some schools in the city are offering it as an additional language, while shopping centres such as Dubai Mall feature signage in Mandarin.

What are some typical Arabic expressions used in Dubai?

Along with the ubiquitous Arabic words which are used by everyone in Dubai (see below), some of the most common Arabic expressions you'll hear include marhaba (hello) or salaam alaikum (peace be with you) as a greeting, along with kaif halak (how are you?) and shukran (thank you). If you feel confident, try using these yourself when talking to Arabic speakers – they're likely to be pleasantly surprised.

You can find some more typical Arabic expressions you might hear in Dubai in our guide to basic Arabic phrases.

What if I don't speak English or Arabic?

If you're not comfortable speaking in English or Arabic, there's no need to worry. Dubai makes it easy for visitors from all over the world to enjoy its extraordinary array of experiences. If you want a guide on what to do, see and eat, Visit Dubai offers tailored itineraries, articles and recommendations in 24 languages including Spanish, Polish and Japanese.

Or you can download the Visit Dubai app, which is available in six languages – Arabic, English, French, German, Russian and Mandarin. Get it for free on the iPhone or Android app store as a handy guide.

Is there any 'Dubai slang'?

Thanks to the many nationalities that have adopted Dubai as their second home, certain phrases and terminology have developed over decades that are quite unique to Dubai. The languages of Arabic, Hindi and Tagalog sometimes mix together, and have entered popular vernacular. A few of our favourites are:

• Can I get your good name? – a polite way to say, "your name, please"
• Ma'am-sir – a catch-all term used primarily by service staff to address customers, regardless of whether you're a man or a woman
• Maffi mushkil – an Arabic phrase that means, "no problem"
• Habibi or Habibti – terms of endearment that mean, "my dear" (male) or "my darling" (female)
• Inshallah – an Arabic sentiment that means, "God willing"
• Jaldi, jaldi – Hindi for "quick, quick" for when you want to speed something along. Or, try it out in Arabic by saying "yalla"

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