How to Speak Like a Local in Abu Dhabi - Tips on Conversing with Locals during a Trip to Abu Dhabi
Although it is not necessary to be fluent in Arabic to enjoy a holiday in Abu Dhabi, those who are heading to the cosmopolitan city would benefit from learning a few useful phrases. As an Islamic city where most locals converse in Arabic, getting around and enjoying your time in Abu Dhabi will depend on how well you can form connections with locals. Here are some terms and phrases you can employ in everyday conversations during a trip to the UAE's capital city.
1. Greetings
Travellers heading to Abu Dhabi will find that knowing how to say "hello" or "goodbye" will not only come in handy when dealing with the staff at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara or any one of the other Abu Dhabi resorts but also when travelling around the city. The best way to greet a local in Arabic is to say "salam alaykum" to which the response ought to be "wa'alaykum as-salam." The phrase's meaning goes a little beyond a simple "hello!" and actually translates to "may peace be upon you." If you are on friendly terms with any locals, it is permissible to greet them with a simple "Salam" or "Halla", which actually does mean "hello." Don't be surprised to hear your taxi driver or airport personnel greet you with the words "ahlan" or "marhabaan" as these are also formal greetings.
2. Common Inquiries
When it comes to asking about someone's health or well-being, one must use the proper variation of the phrase for "how are you?" in Arabic because it differs based on whether you are addressing a man or a woman. "Kayfa halluk" is how one many ask a man how he's doing while the phrase changes to "kayfa halluki" when it is a woman. Responding to this question is "ana bekhair, shukran" regardless of the gender of the person posing the question as it means "I'm fine, thank you." The phrase "go in peace" is often substituted for "goodbye" in Arabic conversations and tourists who learn to say "mae alsalama" will find plenty of use for this sentence every day. Asking for the price of an item in Arabic is as easy as uttering "kam yukalif?" while the Arabic word for yes is "na'am" while no is indicated with a simple "la."
3. Colloquialisms and Popular Phrases
When apologising, it is best to use "aeset", which means "sorry" or " alma'derah", which translates to "excuse me." Thanking someone is as easy as saying "shukran" while visitors may also hear locals referring to one another as "habibi." This popular term actually means "beloved" but is used in familiar settings among friends, colleagues, and those who are nearest and dearest to you. "Habibi" refers to a male while "habibit" is used for a female. The best way to say "no problem" or "no worries" in Arabic is to simply say "Maafi mushkila." "Insha'Allah" is another sentence that visitors will hear all around them during a trip to Abu Dhabi and it has several meanings including "if God wills it" or "God willing." This is a statement that indicates the speaker's confidence that some event or happening will take place as planned.
4. Other Useful Terms
Terms that will come in handy when wining and dining in restaurants are " Khallas", which means " I'm done" or " I'm finished" so waiters can clear away your plate. " Shu hadha" is another common phrase that will change in meaning depending on the tone used as it simply means "what is this" but can also mean " what on earth are you doing?" if uttered in aggression.
5. Words to Watch Out for and Avoid
Haram is a term that broadly refers to prohibited and sinful activities as it pertains to Islamic laws. If this term is used near you, it could mean that some local custom has been broken and that it has been deemed offensive.
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