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8. Masha'Allah (pronounced mash-ar-ah-la)Įxplaining the meaning of Masha'Allah is a little difficult as it's used in myriad ways. Insha'Allah means 'God willing' or 'If God wills it'.Įxample: I'll see you tomorrow, Insha'Allah. Insha'Allah is one of those words that is used in abundance in conversations all over Dubai irrespective of whether it's a local, expat, arabic or non-arabic speaking person. How are you? 7. Insha'Allah (pronounced in-shar-ah-la) Walaikum Assalam means '…and Peace be upon you too' and is said in response to Assalam Alaikum.Įxample: Walaikum Assalam! I'm fine, thanks. It means 'Peace be upon you'.Įxample: Assalam Alaikum! How are you? 6. Walaikum Assalam (pronounced wal-eye-kum ass-a-lam) If you need help to remember this one, think of it as the equivalent of 'Holla!'.Įxample: Hala! How's it going? 5. Assalam Alaikum (pronounced ass-a-lam al-eye-kum)Īssalam Alaikum is a formal greeting in Arabic. Hala is considered an informal or slang way to say hello.
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The closest English word to Habeebi/habeebti I've come across is 'buddy' or 'my dear'.Įxample 2: Get out of my face, habeebi. If you are addressing a female you would say ‘Habeebti’. It's one of those words to learn as it can be used in any situation - when genuinely calling someone a friend, when fighting or even when being sarcastic! Habibi in Arabic means 'my love' and is often used in conversation, both formally and informally. Response: Maafi mushkil! 3. Habeebi/Habeebti (pronounced ha-bee-bee/ha-beeb-tee) People say it when you thank them, when you ask them for a favour or make a request.Įxample: Sorry about being late. 2. Maafi Mushki (pronounced mar-fi moosh-key-la)Īnother Arabic term that's used often. It's one of those words that can be and is used in every situation.Įxample: Khallas! I'm done talking about this. That said, most expats living in the Middle East learn a few common words and phrases that they use every now and then in their conversation.īelow is a list of 20 popular Arabic words and phrases almost all expats in Dubai know and use, or should learn. Even third culture kids and expat children who were born and educated in the UAE don't know Arabic.ĭespite Arabic being the most widely spoken Semitic language in the world, the preferred language for expats is English. When asked about it, they claim that they never felt the need to learn Arabic. With expatriates in the United Arab Emirates outweighing nationals and making up 85% of the workforce in Dubai, it's no wonder that you can go for days without listening to any native Arabic being spoken.Įven the expat individuals and families who've lived here for years or decades still don't understand enough Arabic to follow a conversation.
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Popular Arabic words and phrases for Dubai expats