Ready to Connect & Navigate?
Master essential Arabic phrases and discover the must-have apps that will transform your UAE experience. From ordering food to finding your way around, this guide gives you the confidence to navigate the Emirates like a local.
While English is widely spoken in the UAE, knowing basic Arabic phrases shows respect for local culture and often leads to warmer interactions and better service.
Cultural Tip:
Don't worry about perfect pronunciation — locals appreciate the effort and will often help you improve.
Essential Arabic Phrases
Basic Greetings
Hello
mar-HA-ban
Good morning
sa-BAAH al-KHAYR
Good evening
ma-SAA al-KHAYR
Goodbye
ma-a as-sa-LAA-ma
Polite Essentials
Please
min FAD-lik
Thank you
SHUK-ran
You're welcome
AF-wan
Excuse me / Sorry
UZ-ran
Essential Questions
Do you speak English?
hal ta-ta-KAL-lam ing-li-ZEE?
Where is...?
AY-na...?
How much does this cost?
kam yu-KAL-lif HAA-za?
Can you help me?
hal yum-ki-nuk mu-saa-a-DA-tee?
Food & Dining
I would like...
u-REED...
Water, please
MAA, min FAD-lik
The bill, please
al-hi-SAAB, min FAD-lik
Delicious!
la-ZEEZ!
Numbers 1-10
One
WAA-hid
Two
ith-NAAN
Three
tha-LAA-tha
Five
KHAM-sa
Ten
ASH-ra
Essential Tourist Apps
Navigation & Transport
Google Maps
Essential for navigation with offline maps capability and real-time traffic updates in UAE.
Walking directions, finding nearby attractions, restaurants, and estimating travel times
iOS
Android
Careem
The Uber of the Middle East — most popular ride-hailing app in UAE with transparent pricing.
Airport transfers, city travel, food delivery. Often cheaper than traditional taxis
iOS
Android
RTA Dubai
Official Dubai public transport app for metro, bus, and water taxi schedules and payments.
Metro timings, route planning, buying Nol cards digitally
iOS
Android
Food & Dining
Zomato
Comprehensive restaurant discovery with reviews, photos, and delivery options across UAE.
Finding restaurants, reading reviews, ordering food delivery, discovering hidden gems
iOS
Android
Talabat
Leading food delivery service in UAE with extensive restaurant network and fast delivery.
Food delivery to hotels, offices, or anywhere in UAE. Wide variety of cuisines
iOS
Android
Currency & Payments
XE Currency
Real-time currency converter with offline rates — essential for shopping and budgeting.
Quick price conversions, tracking exchange rates, budgeting in home currency
iOS
Android
Weather & Culture
Weather Underground
Accurate local weather with hourly forecasts — crucial for planning outdoor activities in UAE heat.
Planning beach days, desert trips, checking for sandstorms
iOS
Android
Muslim Pro
Prayer times and direction — helpful for understanding local prayer schedule and culture.
Knowing when shops/restaurants might close for prayer, respecting local customs
iOS
Android
Entertainment & Translation
BookMyShow UAE
Book movie tickets, events, and entertainment activities across UAE with advance booking.
Cinema bookings, event tickets, checking showtimes and availability
iOS
Android
Google Translate
Real-time translation with camera feature for signs and menus. Works offline with downloaded languages.
Translating Arabic text, communicating with non-English speakers, reading menus
iOS
Android