English in Dubai: Your Practical Guide to Speaking Like a Local

Moving to Dubai or planning a visit? You’ll hear a mix of Arabic, Hindi, Tagalog, and English everywhere. English is the main language for business, tourism, and everyday life, so knowing a few key phrases can make your stay smoother.

Where You’ll Hear English Most Often

In malls, hotels, and restaurants, staff usually speak English. Public signs, metro announcements, and airport screens are all in English and Arabic. If you’re working in an office, meetings and emails will be in English, even if coworkers also speak Arabic.

Simple Phrases That Go a Long Way

Start with greetings: "Good morning," "Good evening," and "How are you?" Adding "please" and "thank you" in English shows respect and earns smiles. When ordering food, say "I would like..." followed by the dish name. If you need directions, try "Can you help me find…?" Dubai residents appreciate clear, polite requests.

Don’t stress about a perfect accent. Most locals understand a range of English levels. If someone doesn’t get you, repeat slowly or write it down. A little patience goes a long way.

For expats, learning a few Arabic words can be a nice gesture. Saying "shukran" (thank you) or "marhaba" (hello) often opens doors and earns goodwill.

When dealing with official paperwork, keep all documents in English if possible. Rental contracts, salary slips, and visas are frequently provided in English, so you won’t need a translator for most tasks.

Transportation is easy to navigate. The Dubai Metro maps are bilingual, and the driver’s app offers voice directions in English. If you use ride‑hailing apps, the interface defaults to English, and drivers usually respond in English too.

Shopping? Most large retailers have English‑speaking staff. If you visit a traditional market (souq), vendors might switch to Arabic, but you can politely ask them to continue in English. Most are happy to accommodate.

Workplace etiquette: meetings start on time, and it’s common to address colleagues by first name. Emails are concise, polite, and often end with "Best regards" or "Kind regards." Using clear subject lines helps everyone stay organized.

Social life in Dubai is vibrant. Join expat groups, language exchange meetups, or sports clubs where English is the default language. These settings let you practice speaking while making friends.

Finally, remember that Dubai is a multicultural city. Respect for local customs matters more than flawless English. Dress modestly in public places, avoid public displays of affection, and follow local laws. When you combine good manners with simple English, you’ll feel at home fast.

So, whether you’re grabbing a coffee, signing a lease, or networking at a conference, keep these English tips in mind. They’ll help you move through Dubai’s fast‑paced life with confidence and ease.