Just think, you are all set for a trip to Dubai! Suddenly, someone asks you, “Do you know how to speak Arabic?” “People don’t speak English in Dubai.” Your brain would start storming, “Do people speak English in Dubai?”
You have landed at the right place to find the answer and make your trip more enjoyable!
Do People Speak English In Dubai
We all admire Dubai for its luxury hotels and shopping. Dubai has many expatriates from all over the world who live there. But what about their language? Let’s burst the bubble!
Yes, they do! English is a very popular language in Dubai. However, there are many languages spoken. But English is the second most spoken language in Dubai, after Arabic.
Around 75% of the population of Dubai are expats, and most of them speak English.
Dubai was a British colony before 1971. Many people who live there today speak English fluently. This is because they have lived there or worked there for years on end (or both).
The UAE is a member of the United Nations and has a representative on the UN Security Council.
It’s also one of the largest economies in the Middle East. It offers a GDP per capita higher than most countries in Europe.
Arabic is the national language of Dubai, but Emiratis will understand you if you use English. English is also one of the two most common languages of the United Arab Emirates, along with Arabic.
You’ll find that most people in Dubai speak English and are willing to help. The level of English spoken is generally high, especially among school-age children.
You may also find some Emiratis who speak Arabic as a second language. If you want to practice your Arabic skills, this is a good place to start!
People Speak English Throughout Dubai
English is used throughout the country, especially in schools and universities. You will find many people who speak English fluently.
So don’t worry about not being able to communicate with them. If you want to learn more about their culture and customs, then reading an Arabic book might be helpful for you!
English is used in government departments such as immigration. Still, knowing some Arabic is important for tourists because of security reasons.
There are often many people speaking one language (usually Arabic) at once on public transport!
Official Language Of Dubai
The official language of Dubai is Arabic. Over 10 million people speak the Arabic language in the UAE. It is the national language of the United Arab Emirates.
It’s also an important language in many other countries. Examples are Egypt, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Morocco.
It is primarily a written language (with no alphabet). Spoken Arabic has several dialects. These dialects differ slightly depending on where they are spoken.
Some people consider English the second official language in Dubai. You can use it freely in your interactions with the citizens. Almost everyone understands it. There are no barriers to communication.
The people of Dubai are very friendly and accommodating. They will go out of their way to help you if you have any issues during your trip.
The city is a melting pot of people from all over the world, and this makes it a very cosmopolitan place.
Dubai is also known as the shopping capital of the world. You will find everything you need here, from designer clothes to high-end electronics.
Everyone In Dubai Speaks Arabic – A Myth
It’s a common misconception that all people in Dubai speak Arabic, but that’s not true. In fact, over 50% of the population speaks English as their primary language!
English is taught in schools throughout the country. It’s an extremely popular second language for many residents.
The UAE is a multicultural country with people from all over the world living here. Though the official language of Dubai is Arabic, English is also the most used on the streets.
Is English Taught In Schools In Dubai?
English is a compulsory subject in all schools in Dubai. It is the primary language of instruction, along with Arabic.
Students have access to both English and Arabic during their first year at school. Then they study only one or the other language until they start high school (grades 7-10).
English is taught as a second language after 9th grade at some schools. However, most classes begin with about half an hour per week devoted to speaking English.
Then they switch over completely to Arabic instruction after 3rd grade.
Why Do People Speak English In Dubai?
As per the reasons listed above, it’s no surprise that English is the most spoken language in Dubai.
It’s also one of many languages spoken by residents there. The official language of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is Arabic.
Many people who live there come from cultures where English is not their native tongue. So they must learn at least some basic phrases before being able to communicate.
1. Why Do People Speak English In Dubai – Language Of Business:
You might wonder why there are so many people speaking English in Dubai. Well, it has something to do with business and trade. English is one of the business languages of the UAE.
English is used to communicate with business partners or tourists worldwide. In fact, many schools offer classes on how to use this language as part of their curriculum.
They teach students how they can help contribute economically. They teach them to use it in their daily lives (such as ordering food).
2. Language Spoken In UAE Airports And Hotels:
The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates. The language used in these emirates is Arabic. English serves as the second most common language, along with Arabic.
English is used at airports, hotels, and tourist attractions in the UAE. This is because a significant number of expats live side by side with locals. All of them can’t speak only Arabic or Persian.
However, outside of these places, the only language you will hear is Arabic. The UAE has a population of 9 million people, and over 100 different languages are in practice there.
It is not uncommon for people from different parts of the world to speak in their native tongue around each other without any problems.
3. Language Of Road Signs And Name Boards:
English is becoming increasingly popular among young Emirati Arabs. They learn more about their country’s culture through television shows and movies.
This can be seen on billboards along major roads. You’ll see ads for products made by companies like Coca-Cola or McDonald’s.
These are in English alongside Arabic text advertising their dishes (like chicken nuggets).
English is also the most commonly used language for business. This can be beneficial if you are planning to work or study in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Can I Live In Dubai If I Only Speak English Instead Of Arabic?
You can live in Dubai if you speak English, but it’s not required. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a cosmopolitan country whose official language is Arabic.
But many people who live there also speak English as their first language. There are plenty of other languages spoken around town as well.
In fact, many expatriates from other countries choose to live in Dubai. The reason is the ease with which they can get by with just one language. They don’t have to learn all the words of Arabic.
While English is becoming popular, you should still learn some basic Arabic phrases.
Learning the language will help you interact with locals. It will also give you a better understanding of the culture.
Conclusion:
The UAE is a place where people from all over the world come together to live, work, and play.
You can find many English speakers in Dubai. This is because it’s an international city with a diverse population.
The national language of the UAE is Arabic, but there are many other languages spoken here as well.
This means that if you don’t speak Arabic while living in Dubai, then you shouldn’t worry too much. You would be able to communicate with local residents.
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