Who lives in Dubai?

Dubai, the city of dreams and diversity, is home to over 3.5 million residents from around the globe. About 50% hail from South Asia (India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh), 10% are proud Emiratis, and another 25% represent a tapestry of nationalities like the Philippines, Iran, Egypt, and China. And let’s not forget the 15% who are a delightful mishmash of Brits, Western Europeans, Africans, South Americans, and yes, even the bloody Dutch.

For more detailed demographic information, check out this report from Gulf News: Dubai’s population crosses 3.6 million for the first time.

 

Language in Dubai

With such a colourful blend of cultures, you might be wondering, “What’s the language in Dubai that ties this dynamic city together?” Well, hold onto your falafel because, drumroll, it’s English! Dubai is that cool kid who effortlessly switches languages. If you speak English, you’re in luck. Whether you’re sipping chai at a café, dining at a fancy restaurant, checking in at a hotel, or splurging at the shops, English is your golden ticket.

Now, here’s the twist. When you’re chatting with cleaners, gardeners, or builders, don’t expect Shakespearean, or any, fluency. But fear not, their bosses usually have a solid grasp of English, making communication at least somewhat doable.

 

So what is the official language in Dubai?

While English is your trusty sidekick, the official language in Dubai is Arabic. You’ll spot it on formal documents like employment contracts, house purchases, and wills, presented in both English and Arabic. Even the road signs sport a bilingual flair, with English right alongside Arabic. It’s like a little language surprise wherever you look!

So, if you’ve got English under your belt, your Dubai adventure is bound to be a smooth sail. The only challenge? Resisting the urge to tune out the Arabic script – it’s everywhere, and it’s hard not to feel like you’re in a sci-fi movie.

 

Do I need to speak Arabic?

Don’t worry about having to speak Arabic – its not mandatory for adults, however all the kids in Dubai do have to learn it in school!

To give you a head start, here are a few essential Arabic words to impress your new Dubai buddies: “Inshallah” (it means ‘god willing’ or ‘it will never happen’ depending on the context), “Shukran” (for a gracious ‘thank you’), “Ramadan Kareem” (for a blessed ‘Ramadan’), and “Eid Mubarak” (to wish a joyful ‘feast’).

Happy talking, and may your communication in Dubai be as smooth as silk in a souk!”

 

You may also be interested in reading –

Driving in Dubai

Parking in Dubai

Moblie Data 

Whats on TV in Dubai