Arabic Phrases For Beginners: Common Greetings and Expressions

As a young professional living in Dubai, you've probably already noticed how dynamic and multicultural the city is. While English is commonly spoken, learning some basic Arabic phrases can truly enrich your experience here. Whether you’re greeting your colleagues, or expressing affection to a beloved, knowing a few essential phrases helps you connect on a deeper level.

What’s unique about Dubai is that while Arabic is the official language, you’ll hear different dialects depending on who you’re speaking to. Emirati Arabic, spoken by locals in the UAE, is a subset of Gulf Arabic, which is a broader dialect spoken across neighboring Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. While the differences are generally subtle, it’s worth noting that certain phrases or pronunciations may vary slightly. Luckily, the basic greetings and phrases you'll use in everyday situations remain quite similar, no matter which dialect you encounter.

For expats, even mastering the essentials like greetings and polite exchanges, can go a long way in helping you feel more at home. These common Arabic phrases won’t just help with smoother communication, but also show respect for the local culture.

Here are some essential greetings and polite expressions to get you started:

Maharba is a perfectly acceptable translation for "Hello" in most Arabic-speaking regions, including the UAE. A versatile greeting that works in nearly any situation. Whether you're entering a shop or meeting someone for the first time, "Marhaba" is a great way to say hello.

However, if you want a more Emirati-flavored greeting, you could also consider the following alternatives:

Kick off your day by greeting someone with "Sabah al-khair," the classic Arabic good morning. It’s polite and sets a positive tone for the rest of the day. Sabah al-khair (صباح الخير) is perfectly fine and appropriate in any situation. If you want to sound a bit more informal or local in the UAE, Sabah al-noor (as a reply) or Sabah al-ward can add a nice touch.

Whether it’s mid-afternoon or evening, "Masa al-khair" works perfectly when greeting someone later in the day. You’ll hear this phrase often during dinner gatherings or meetings after work. Literally means “Evening of goodness,” the expression is commonly used across all Arabic-speaking regions, including the UAE.

It is used to greet someone anytime after noon until nighttime. It works for both "Good afternoon" and "Good evening", as Arabic does not differentiate between these two phrases like English does.

However, there are some nuances and possible alternatives you could consider, especially if you want a more Emirati feel.

Wishing someone a good night? "Tusbih ala khair" is the go-to phrase before parting ways for the evening, especially if it's late, and people are expected to go home to sleep.

This phrase, which literally means "may you wake up to goodness," is a warm and friendly way to wish someone a peaceful night's sleep and a good morning to follow. It’s commonly used among family and friends.

In Dubai and other Gulf countries, you might also hear a slightly different variation like:

As a response, one may say "Wa anta/anti min ahloo (وأنت من أهله)." This translates to “And may you have a good night too.”

This is a a polite and warm response to Tusbih 'ala khair. It reflects the cultural emphasis on kindness and reciprocity in Arabic-speaking communities, including in the UAE and Dubai. Use anta to a male, and anti to a female.

Tusbih 'ala khair is particularly used to convey a warm farewell specifically for the night, making it common for final goodbyes when people are likely heading to bed.

However, if people are simply parting ways in the evening but not necessarily going to sleep right away, they might opt for a more general farewell, like:

One of the most useful phrases you’ll learn, "shukran" is simply "thank you." It’s versatile, so you can use it with anyone and in any situation, making it an excellent default. It is polite yet neutral and is ideal for both formal and informal settings.

You’ll find yourself using this all the time, whether you're thanking someone for directions or a cup of coffee.

In Dubai and other parts of the Arab world, it’s customary to respond to thanks with phrases that convey humility or reciprocity, such as:

In Dubai and the UAE, "Al-'afw" and "Taslam" are very popular responses to "thank you," with each adding a different tone, from simple acknowledgment to warm blessing. Phrases like "Hayak Allah" or "Ala al-rahb wa al-sa’a" carry a sense of respect and hospitality, reflecting the cultural emphasis on kindness and generosity in the Arab world.

If you’re welcoming guests into your home, workplace, or even a social gathering, “Marhaban bik” which translates to “Welcome to you” or any of its variations is an ideal greeting.

It’s also fitting in business and professional contexts in Dubai, as it’s polite and culturally appropriate for welcoming colleagues or clients. “Marhaban” alone is commonly used by staff in hotels, shops, or restaurants to greet visitors. It’s part of the warm customer service style that characterizes Dubai.

In Dubai and UAE, variations could include:

When someone says "Marhaban bik" to welcome you, typical responses include:

If you’re feeling affectionate, "uhibbuk" is the phrase you’ll need. It is a beautiful and versatile phrase that means "I love you" in Arabic. It’s a heartfelt expression used to convey love and affection in various contexts. In Arabic, like many aspects of the language, the form of the phrase changes slightly depending on whom you are addressing, their gender, and the nature of the relationship.

In the UAE, particularly in Emirati Arabic, the pronunciation may vary slightly, and other phrases or terms of endearment are often used to convey love:

Uhibbuk (أحبك) is a core phrase in Arabic for expressing love, with variations depending on the person you’re addressing. In Dubai, where Modern Standard Arabic blends with Emirati dialect, locals might use "Ahibbich" for women or "Ahibbak" for men in informal settings. Whether romantic, familial, or platonic, the phrase is a warm and cherished expression in any Arabic-speaking context.

If you're feeling nostalgic or longing to see someone, Aftaqiduki (أفتقدك) is understood across the Arab world, it’s relatively formal and less common in everyday conversation. "Waheshtini" is primarily an Egyptian Arabic phrase, it’s widely understood in Dubai due to the city's multicultural environment. For Gulf-specific contexts, stick to "Mishtaq/Mishtaqa (male/female).

Expressions like "مشتاق" (Mishtaq) or "مشتاقة" (Mishtaqa) and terms of endearment like "حبيبي" (Habibi) or "حبيبتي" (Habibti) can indeed be used in platonic relationships, such as between family members, close friends, or even father and son. However, cultural context, tone, and familiarity play a key role in determining whether these terms are appropriate or would be understood as overly intimate.

Celebrating a special day? "Eid milad sa'eed" is the phrase you’ll want to use when wishing someone a happy birthday in Arabic, which translates literally to "Happy Birth Celebration!”

Emirati and Gulf Arabic variations include:

These phrases are a great starting point for everyday conversations in Dubai. They not only help with day-to-day interactions but also allow you to show respect for the local culture. Start using them, and you’ll notice how much easier it becomes to connect with people and feel at home in this vibrant city.