Learn common Emirati words and their meanings

• Emirati Dialect History
• Types of Emirati Dialects
• Words
• Proverbs
• FAQs

Knowing a few phrases in Emirati Arabic can be super helpful, whether you’ve been in the country for a while or are just planning a trip. Tasks like asking an Emirati for directions or ordering at an Arabic restaurant can be easy with these common Emirati words! So habibis, without further ado, let’s touch on the history of Emirati dialects and learn some common words and phrases.

Hayaa nataealam!

History of the Emirati Dialect

The UAE is truly a melting pot of cultures. People from all over the world come to live here, making it a very diverse country. This mix of cultures has created a special way of speaking Arabic in the UAE, like a colourful quilt made from different pieces of cloth.

Some historians claim that the Emirati dialect is even a throwback to the speech of Arabs 15 centuries ago! In addition to this historical depth, the Emiratis preserve their language by using distinct vocabulary used by Bedouin communities.

The way people speak Arabic in the UAE is called Emirati Arabic or Al Ramsa Al Emaratia. It’s part of a bigger family of dialects spoken around the Arabian Gulf. Over time, languages like Farsi (Persian), Urdu, Hindi and English have influenced how Emiratis speak. This means you’d find words borrowed from these languages, like ‘khashugah‘ for spoon from Farsi and “seeda” for straight from Urdu.

Different Types of Emirati Dialects

You might think everyone in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) speaks the same Arabic, but that’s not quite true. Each country has its way of speaking the language, with different words and phrases.

The UAE is extra special because it has more than one dialect! Because the UAE is on the coast, people from other countries have long visited and traded there. This mix of people led to different words in how Emiratis speak Arabic.

Travellers from the subcontinent and Persia also brought new words, which became part of the Emirati dialect. This is why the UAE’s way of speaking Arabic blends old and new words from all over the world!

Here are some types of Emirati dialects that you’ll hear in the country:

• The West Coast and Abu Dhabi dialect
• Urban dialects in cities like Dubai, Ajman and Sharjah
• Al Qaywain dialect
• Ras Al Khaimah dialect
• The Bedouin dialect
• Dialects of mountains region

Popular Emirati Words and Their Meanings

Get your pen and notebooks ready! Here is a list of common words to help you navigate your day in the United Arab Emirates.

Popular Proverbs in the Emirati Dialect

Proverbs and idioms are the best ways to familiarise yourself with any culture. Proverbs encompass cultural norms into bite-sized sayings that are easy to remember and pass down.

Considering its importance, here are some of the popular proverbs in the Emirati dialect that introduce you to the Emirati culture:

Haamuur; ma ydkhil wala ykhalli ‘is-semach ydkhiluun

• Translation: A hamour; he neither enters nor allows other fish to come in.
• Meaning: The Hamour fish lives in the ocean near the Gulf countries. It’s a big fish that likes to hang out near special traps people use to catch smaller fish. The Hamour might be looking for a snack, but it also scares the little fish away from the trap! This way, the Hamour can catch them later for an easy meal.

Nyuum ‘is-sema ‘agreb lek

• Translation: The stars in heaven are closer to you
• Meaning: This saying is a funny way to tell someone ‘No way!’ when they ask for something impossible. It’s like saying, ‘Forget it! You have a better chance of grabbing a star out of the sky than getting what you want from me!’

Maddaah nafsah ybaalah rafsah

• Translation: He who praises himself deserves a kick
• Meaning: This saying means that you shouldn’t talk about yourself too much or in a bragging manner. It’s better to let your actions speak for themselves!

Halaat ith-thob rig’itah minnah w fiih

• Translation: A dress is beautiful when it is patched using its material
• Meaning: This proverb urges someone to marry a relative rather than a stranger. Also, it encourages two business parties to keep their business between them.

FAQs About Common Emirati Words and Their Meanings

From where can I learn Arabic in Dubai?

If you have mastered these words, it’s time to learn the language. There are several institutes where you can learn Arabic in Dubai.

Can I learn Emirati words and Arabic for free?

Whether in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, there are many ways to learn Arabic for free in the UAE. These include free learning apps like Memrise, Drops and Rosetta Stone. You can also start by learning 50 basic Arabic phrases in Dubai.

As an expat in the country, should I learn Arabic?

There are several benefits of learning Arabic for expats in the UAE, including gaining insight into the region’s traditional cultural, religious and social values.

With this, we reach the end of our guide. If the Arabic language and the culture have intrigued you, we suggest expanding your knowledge by exploring Dubai’s food and culture.

For more interesting tidbits on the Arabic language, stay tuned to MyBayut!