You can get away without knowing any words of Arabic in the UAE, apart from 'mafi mushkil', 'Inshallah' and 'shoo hadha', but for those who wish to pick up a little more than just the basics, here are our recommendations.
Teach yourself Gulf Arabic
by Jack Smart
Buy from:
amazon.com
amazon.ca
amazon.co.uk
In the absence of a Pimsleur equivalent, this teach yourself course is the business, getting you to a good level of proficiency within a short period. The best way to learn is with these CDs and the book. Titkellem arabi?
BBC Arabic Phrase Book
by Nagi el-Bay
Buy from:
amazon.com
amazon.ca
amazon.co.uk
This BBC phrase book is handily pocket sized to tuck away in your brifcase or handbag in case you get into trouble. With numerous scenarios covered, this has great coverage.
Courtesies in the Gulf Area: A Dictionary of Colloquial Phrase and Usage
by Sir Donald Hawley
Buy from:
amazon.com
amazon.ca
amazon.co.uk
While, at less than 100 pages, this is a very short book, you are covered with regard to what to say, even in some tricky situations.
Hindi and Urdu: The Rough Guide
by Lexus
Buy from:
amazon.com
amazon.ca
amazon.co.uk
Let's be real - with more people from the subcontinent than local Emirati's, Hindi and Urdu become the third and forth most important languages. This rough guide, gives you some basics, which might give you the upper hand when you scour the back streets.
Back to top
