Common Arabic Phrases Expats Should Learn in Saudi Arabia
Moving to Saudi Arabia can feel exhilarating and overwhelming all at once—especially if Arabic isn’t your first language. While English is widely spoken in business circles, a few well‑chosen Arabic phrases will make daily life smoother, foster warmer interactions, and demonstrate genuine respect for Saudi culture. From greeting your neighbors to finding the right bus or negotiating in a souq, the words below will build your confidence and help you thrive.
🌟 Why Learn Basic Arabic?
- Cultural Respect – Using Arabic shows appreciation for local heritage and builds instant rapport.
- Practicality – Taxis, small shops, and government offices often prefer Arabic.
- Safety – Knowing key phrases for emergencies or directions keeps you secure.
- Networking – Even a short Arabic exchange can break the ice with colleagues and neighbors.
Below we group phrases by situation—Greetings, Directions, Transportation, Shopping, Dining, Emergencies, and Cultural Etiquette. Each entry provides:
- Arabic script
- Transliteration (phonetic English)
- English meaning
1️⃣ Everyday Greetings & Introductions
| Arabic | Transliteration | Meaning / Usage |
|---|---|---|
| السلام عليكم | As‑salaamu ʿalaykum | Peace be upon you (formal hello) |
| وعليكم السلام | Wa ʿalaykum as‑salaam | And peace be upon you (reply) |
| مرحبا | Marḥaba | Hi / Welcome (casual) |
| صباح الخير | Ṣabaaḥ al‑khayr | Good morning |
| مساء الخير | Masaaʾ al‑khayr | Good evening |
| كيف حالك؟ | Kayfa ḥaaluk? (m) / ḥaalik? (f) | How are you? |
| الحمد لله، بخير | Al‑ḥamdu lillāh, bikhayr | Fine, thank God |
| اسمي … | Ismii … | My name is … |
| تشرفنا | Tasharrafnaa | Pleased to meet you |
| مع السلامة | Maʿa s‑salaama | Good‑bye (go in peace) |
Pro tip: In Saudi Arabia, greetings often include a brief inquiry about health or family—respond politely and return the question.
2️⃣ Asking for Directions & Navigation
Whether you’re finding the nearest mosque or your favorite shawarma stall, these phrases help:
| أين …؟ | Ayna …? | Where is …? |
| يمين / يسار | Yameen / yasaar | Right / left |
| طريق مستقيم | Tareeq mustaqeem | Straight ahead |
| بعيد / قريب | Baʿeed / qareeb | Far / near |
| كم المسافة إلى …؟ | Kam al‑masaafa ilaa …? | How far is …? |
| أنا ضائع | Ana ḍaaʾiʿ | I’m lost |
Pair these phrases with mapping apps like Google Maps or “Tawseel” (ride‑hailing) to ensure clarity.
3️⃣ Transportation & Taxis
- إلى المطار، لو سمحت – Ila al‑maṭaar, law samaḥt – To the airport, please.
- كم العداد؟ – Kam al‑ʿaddaad? – How much is the meter?
- قف هنا من فضلك – Qif hunā min faḍlik – Stop here, please.
- أحتاج إيصال – Aḥtaaj eeyṣaal – I need a receipt.
Ride‑hailing apps like **Careem** and **Uber** operate widely, but some local drivers appreciate your effort to speak Arabic.
4️⃣ Shopping & Bargaining
| بكم هذا؟ | Bikam haadha? | How much is this? |
| غالي جدًا | Ghaalii jiddan | Too expensive! |
| هل لديك سعر آخر؟ | Hal ladayk siʿr aakhar? | Do you have another price? |
| أرخص | Arkhaṣ | Cheaper |
| حسناً، موافق | Ḥasanan, muwaafiq | Okay, agreed |
| أستخدم بطاقة | Astaʿmil biṭaaqa | I use card (pay by card) |
| نقداً | Naqdan | Cash |
Insider tip: Bargaining is common in souqs but not in malls. Smile and keep it friendly!
5️⃣ Dining & Café Culture
Food is central to Saudi hospitality. Use these phrases to ace your next shawarma run:
- قائمة الطعام، لو سمحت – Qaaʾimat aṭ‑ṭaʿaam, law samaḥt – Menu, please.
- بدون لحم – Biduun laḥm – Without meat.
- مع دجاج – Maʿ dajaaj – With chicken.
- كم الحساب؟ – Kam al‑ḥisaab? – How much is the bill?
- شهية طيبة! – Shahiyya ṭayyiba! – Bon appétit!
6️⃣ Emergencies & Health
- النجدة! – Al‑najda! – Help!
- اتصل بالإسعاف – Ittaṣil bi al‑isʿaaf – Call an ambulance.
- أنا مريض – Ana mareeḍ – I am sick.
- أحتاج دكتور – Aḥtaaj duktoor – I need a doctor.
- أين أقرب صيدلية؟ – Ayna aqrab ṣaydaliyya? – Where is the nearest pharmacy?
The nationwide emergency number is 911 (works in major cities); rural areas still recognize 997 for medical emergencies.
7️⃣ Cultural Etiquette, Religion & Social Norms
| إن شاء الله | In shaʾ Allah | If God wills (future plans) |
| ما شاء الله | Maa shaʾ Allah | What God has willed (praise without envy) |
| جزاك الله خير | Jazaak Allah khayr | May God reward you with goodness (thank you) |
| عفواً | ʿAfwan | You’re welcome / pardon me |
| آسف | Aasif | Sorry |
Using phrases like In shaʾ Allah when discussing future plans signals cultural awareness and respect.
8️⃣ Numbers, Time & Bargaining Basics
Learning 1–10 in Arabic will boost your confidence in markets:
- واحد – Waaḥid
- اثنان – Ithnaan
- ثلاثة – Thalaatha
- أربعة – Arbaʿa
- خمسة – Khamsa
- ستة – Sitta
- سبعة – Sabʿa
- ثمانية – Thamaaniya
- تسعة – Tisʿa
- عشرة – ʿAshara
Combine numbers with “ريال” (riyaal) for prices. Example: “khamsa riyaal” means 5 SAR.
9️⃣ Practice Tips & Learning Resources
- Apps: Try **Madrasa**, **Duolingo Arabic**, or **Memrise** for daily practice.
- Local TV & Radio: Tune into channels like **Al Arabiya** to develop listening skills.
- Language Exchange: Platforms like **Tandem** pair you with native speakers.
- On‑the‑ground practice: Greet your doorman, barista, or taxi driver each day.
🔗 Internal Links to Explore
- Cost of Living in Saudi Arabia: What Expats Should Know Before Moving
- How to Get a SIM Card in Saudi Arabia
- Saudi National Address – Why It Matters
🎯 Final Thoughts
Learning Arabic doesn’t require fluency to transform your Saudi experience. Mastering these essential phrases will open doors—literally and figuratively—while showing respect to locals. Start with greetings, practice daily, and watch your confidence soar. Marḥaba bik fi Saʿuudiyya! (Welcome to Saudi Arabia!)
🏷️ Labels
Arabic Language Basics, Expat Life, Saudi Arabia Travel Tips, Cultural Etiquette, Language Learning, Vision 2030