The benefits of learning Arabic for expats in the UAE
The UAE welcomes people from across the globe and is home to a large number of non-Arabic speakers. Although Arabic fluency is not a necessity, there are many reasons why learning the language is a worthy pursuit. Being familiar with Arabic helps create an in-depth connection with the UAE’s culture and ensures a more holistic and immersive experience whilst living in the country. What are the other benefits of learning the Arabic language for expats in the UAE? Let’s find out.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF LEARNING THE ARABIC LANGUAGE FOR EXPATS
From cultural understanding to better communication, here’s a complete list of benefits of learning the Arabic language for expats living in the UAE.
BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF CULTURE
Learning Arabic in the UAE offers an insight into the region’s traditional cultural, religious and social values. And understanding these local cultural aspects is vital for expats. With a grip on these areas, you will find it easier to respect the host and potentially receive more respect in return!
STRONGER BONDING WITH OTHER NATIVE ARABIC SPEAKERS
The language gap can sometimes restrict expats and native Arabic speakers from building a close bond. Speaking the national language can help elevate relationships, personal, professional and even social, to higher levels. It also makes it easier for you to convey your ideas and vice-versa. Once you can speak Arabic, you’ll be to communicate and build bonds that seemed out of reach with the language barrier in place. You can utilise these communication skills in the UAE and all across the Arabic-speaking world.
MORE JOB OPPORTUNITIES
It’s not that you can’t get a job without learning Arabic in Dubai or the UAE. But when you know the language, you’ll undoubtedly have more opportunities. It will make you a viable candidate for in-demand jobs in Dubai, where they prefer to employ those who can also communicate in the national language. In a way, this is one of the biggest economic benefits of learning the Arabic language for expats in the UAE.
EASY INTERACTION WITH THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
Understanding Arabic will generally improve your interactions with the locals and make you feel more comfortable in the country. Furthermore, conversing with Arabic speakers proficiently will ensure a more effortless adjustment to life in the UAE. This is one of the main social benefits of learning Arabic.
YOU ARE LESS LIKELY TO GET INTO TROUBLE IF YOU CAN SPEAK THE LOCAL LANGUAGE WELL
Talking and understanding Arabic can help you express yourself better if you speak to someone who is not fluent in English. Knowledge of the Arabic terms used in real estate and other common business dealings can make things easier. Hence, it is less likely you will miss out on crucial information when speaking Arabic well.
Better comprehension is one of the major advantages for expats who learn Arabic in the UAE, mainly when employed in a job that requires dealing with governmental entities.
YOU NO LONGER NEED GOOGLE TRANSLATE TO READ OFFICIAL WEBSITES
Since Arabic is the official language, most Dubai and UAE Government websites are available in Arabic. Even though most official sites have English versions available, there is a chance of things being lost in translation. You can also encounter some websites without automated English translation. In such scenarios, knowing Arabic will prove to be incredibly useful.
YOU CAN ENJOY THE RICHNESS OF ONE OF THE OLDEST LANGUAGES IN THE WORLD
Arabic is one of the world’s oldest languages with rich literature that tells the tales of eras gone by. Learning Arabic can be a rewarding journey if you enjoy reading or listening to good poetry, prose or books. In fact, you can open a whole new world of treasure as a reader or viewer.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT ARE SOME BASIC ARABIC PHRASES THAT I CAN USE?
To greet a friend or an acquaintance, say ‘Marhaba’, meaning ‘Hello’ followed by ‘Kyfa Halak’, which means ‘how are you?’ Here’s an extensive list of basic Arabic words for beginners with English meanings to develop your Arabic vocabulary.
Remember, you can enjoy the benefits of learning Arabic even if you know the basics.
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF ‘MANKHOOL’, THE NAME OF A POPULAR DUBAI AREA?
Mankhool means ‘The Palm’. The Mankhool area in Dubai used to have many palm trees; hence, became known as Mankhool. Are you curious to learn the meaning of other famous Dubai neighbourhoods? Read up on our guide to the origin and meaning of Dubai area names.
IS ARABIC DIFFICULT TO LEARN?
The learning experience can be easy or challenging depending on your linguistic background, mainly.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR AN AVERAGE PERSON TO LEARN ARABIC?
The UAE Arabic language learning process can be around one and a half years for someone keen to learn and put in many hours of practice. But given the advantages of learning Arabic as an expat, it would be worth the effort.
CAN I LEARN ARABIC IN 3 MONTHS?
You can learn some of the basics of the Arabic language in three months. However, that time period is likely too short to learn any new language thoroughly, especially if it is not close to your mother tongue.
HOW MANY DIFFERENT DIALECTS ARE THERE IN ARABIC?
Different regions of the Middle East speak various dialects of Arabic. Some of the major ones include Hijazi, Khaleeji, Maghrebi, Najdi and Fusha.
WHERE CAN I TAKE ARABIC CLASSES TO LEARN THE LANGUAGE?
Several language institutes across the UAE teach Arabic language courses to tourists and non-Arab expats. Some of the best institutes to learn Arabic in Dubai are Eton Institute, Al Salam Islamic Center, Arabic Language Centre and more. Besides these, expats can also learn Arabic in the UAE for free at Arabic classes at different institutes across the country.
That’s a wrap on our blog as to why you should learn the Arabic language in the UAE. Given the numerous benefits of learning the Arabic language for expats in the UAE and the multiple institutes offering classes, it might be time to try your hand at it.
Want to know more about Dubai’s culture? Stay tuned to MyBayut.
