The United Arab Emirates is an Arabic-speaking country, but it is also truly international, as around 88% of the UAE population are expatriate residents from all over the world. Therefore, many languages are spoken in the UAE. English is widely spoken and understood, as it is the main language of communication between people of different nationalities. Whilst it can be helpful to learn Arabic, expats who speak English will not encounter a language barrier.
Do doctors working in the UAE need to learn Arabic?
Working as a doctor in the UAE, you will see patients from many different nationalities, and the mix will vary depending upon the hospital where you work. Hospitals in the UAE employ highly skilled staff from different countries, including doctors, nurses, and support staff who speak many different languages, including Arabic. If you come across a patient who doesn’t speak the same language as you, there is usually someone available to translate whenever required. However, it is always helpful to learn the local language.
Doctors working in the UAE can easily learn Arabic through various resources tailored to their busy schedules. Language schools offer specialized courses for professionals, focusing on medical terminology and conversational skills. Many online platforms, apps, and private tutors also provide flexible learning options. Additionally, immersion in the local culture and daily interactions with patients and colleagues can help doctors quickly pick up the language, making their work experience more rewarding and enriching.
Why can learning Arabic be helpful in the UAE?
Arabic is one of the oldest and most sophisticated languages in the world. It is an official or national language in around 26 countries and is spoken by an estimated 400 million people worldwide. Arabic speakers use a variety of dialects in different countries, and there are thought to be at least 30 dialects. The dialect spoken by Emiratis is similar to neighboring Gulf states, but Arabic dialects from other countries can differ more widely. Modern Standard Arabic is often taught and used, as it can be understood by people from different regions of the Arabic-speaking world where dialects vary.
Learning the local language wherever you live allows you to delve deeper into the local culture and traditions. Studying Arabic can help you understand more of the nuances and intricacies of Arab culture, which is often misunderstood and misrepresented through Western cultural lenses. Even a basic knowledge of Arabic can help break the ice and build relationships with colleagues, patients, and social contacts who primarily speak Arabic. Whilst Arabic is not an easy language for English speakers, any efforts made to learn Arabic will be much appreciated.
What is the best way to learn Arabic?
This depends on how much time you have available and whether you prefer to learn face-to-face with others or just start learning by yourself at home. There are many convenient apps and websites, as well as books available, which are a great way to start. If you are more serious about learning Arabic, then Arabic courses, either online or in person, can help you progress faster. Also, as most apps teach using Modern Standard Arabic, books or courses are the best way to learn the local Emirati dialect.
Apps for learning Arabic
- Duolingo
Duolingo makes learning a language, including Arabic, fun—and it’s free! With quick, bite-sized lessons, you’ll earn points and unlock new levels while gaining real-world communication skills.
https://www.duolingo.com/course/ar/en/Learn-Arabic
- Bright Arabic
An AI-powered language learning app with quick and engaging lessons that help elevate Arabic language knowledge, expand vocabulary, and develop strong hearing and pronunciation skills within two months. The app is free to download and use at the basic level, with charges for in-app purchases.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.engbright.arabic
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/bright-arabic-learn-speak/id6471572693
- Pimsleur – Arabic
Pimsler’s world-famous language teaching method combines well-established research, the most useful vocabulary, and a completely intuitive process to get you speaking right from the first day. $112.50 for 30 lessons (different levels) or $262.50 for the complete course. Free trial available.
- Glossika
Language-learning app. Includes audio recordings from native speakers, for listening and repeating. Subscription starts at $13.33/month. https://ai.glossika.com/language/learn-arabic-standard
- Busuu
Online language learning courses and apps. Free to download and use at the basic level, with charges for in-app purchases. https://www.busuu.com/en/p/arabic
- Rosetta Stone
Popular, well-established language-learning services. Using audio, you will repeat words back to the app and receive a rating on your pronunciation, making it a good way to learn Arabic to use conversationally. Free to access 30 minutes each day for free. Upgrade for unlimited access. https://uk.rosettastone.com/buy/learn-arabic/
Books for Emirati Arabic Dialect
- Emirati Arabic Phrasebook for Healthcare Professionals—Kindle Edition
Written by one of Allocation Assist’s doctors, Richard Baker, a British plastic surgery consultant who relocated to Abu Dhabi in October 2023. This book is not intended to teach Arabic but acts as an aide-mémoire to healthcare professionals in their clinical practice as they learn Arabic. Provides common phrases necessary for healthcare professionals to begin communicating effectively with their Emirati patients.
Available as a Kindle e-book version only. (Currently being edited with the help of a local Emirati Arabic speaker for the 2nd edition)
- Conversational Arabic—Quick and Easy (Emirati Dialect)
Useful phrasebook for Emirati Arabic.
Arabic Courses in the UAE
Al Ramsa Institute
Highly recommended Arabic learning center for mastering the Emirati dialect. Located in the Al Quoz area of Dubai. In-person and online courses. Group and individual classes.
The Headway Institute
Multi-language learning centre in Dubai Internet City
https://headin.pro/en/courses/arabic-language
Eton Institute
Multi-language learning center with in-person and online courses, group and individual classes. Locations in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Berlitz Language Schools
Multi-language learning center with in-person and online courses, group and individual classes. Locations in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
