What Language Do They Speak in United Arab Emirates?

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United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven emirates located at the southeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, bordered by Saudi Arabia and Oman. Known for its modern architectural marvels and rich Bedouin heritage, the UAE has rapidly transformed from a desert landscape into a bustling hub of tourism and commerce. Its strategic location along the Arabian Gulf and progressive leadership have positioned it as a global center for business, innovation, and cultural exchange.

Languages Spoken

In the United Arab Emirates, a diverse tapestry of languages reflects its multicultural society. Arabic is the official language, spoken by 65% of the population, serving as the foundation of cultural and governmental communication. English, used by 20% of the people, is widely recognized as the lingua franca in business, tourism, and education sectors. South Asian influences are notable with Hindi and Urdu, spoken by 8% and 5% respectively, owing to the significant expatriate workforce from India and Pakistan. Additionally, Filipino accounts for 2% of the linguistic landscape, highlighting the Filipino community within the nation. This linguistic diversity underscores the UAE's global connectivity and its role as a crossroads of cultures.

Different Languages Spoken in United Arab Emirates

Language data last updated 2024 est. from Wikipedia - United Arab Emirates

LanguageUsage
Arabic65%
English20%
Hindi8%
Urdu5%
Filipino2%
Note: The total may add up to more than 100% as people may speak multiple languages

Useful Arabic Phrases

Learn these phrases if you're planning on traveling to United Arab Emirates

مرحبا (Marhaba)

Hello

A common greeting used any time of the day.

كيف حالك؟ (Kayfa halak?)

How are you?

This is a polite inquiry about someone's well-being.

كم السعر؟ (Kam al-se'ar?)

How much does it cost?

Useful when shopping or taking a taxi.

أين تقع...؟ (Ayna taqa’? )

Where is...?

Use this when asking for directions.

من فضلك وشكرا (Min fadlak wa shukran)

Please and thank you

Essential phrases for polite conversations.

Learn to speak Arabic

Interested in speaking Arabic in United Arab Emirates? Using Lingocat you can learn the basics of the language and start speaking in no time with the help of our AI Language Tutors.

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