Languages Spoken in Dubai
What is the Official
Language of Dubai?
The main language spoken in Dubai is Arabic. As the official language of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Arabic is widely used in government, business, and everyday communication.
However, due to Dubai’s multicultural nature and expatriate population, English is also widely spoken and understood. English serves as a lingua franca in many settings, including international business, tourism, and education.
Additionally, with the diverse mix of nationalities residing in Dubai, other languages such as Urdu, Hindi, Tagalog, and others are also spoken within specific communities and households.
What Other Spoken Languages
in Dubai?
| Language | Description | Percentage of Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| Arabic | The official language of the United Arab Emirates. Widely spoken and used in everyday life. | Majority of the population |
| English | Widely spoken and understood. Commonly used in business, education, and tourism. | Almost everyone |
| Urdu | Spoken by a significant number of expatriate residents, mainly from South Asia. | Large community |
| Hindi | Spoken by a significant number of expatriate residents, mainly from India. | Large community |
| Tagalog | Spoken by a significant number of expatriate residents from the Philippines. | Sizeable community |
| Malayalam | Spoken by a significant number of expatriate residents, mainly from Kerala, India. | Sizeable community |
| Tamil | Spoken by a significant number of expatriate residents, mainly from Tamil Nadu, India. | Sizeable community |
| Bengali | Spoken by a significant number of expatriate residents, mainly from Bangladesh. | Sizeable community |
| Russian | Spoken by a significant number of expatriate residents from Russia and surrounding countries. | Sizeable community |
| French | Spoken by a significant number of expatriate residents, mainly from Francophone countries. | Sizeable community |
Lets Learn About the Arabic Language
Arabic is the official language of Dubai and the UAE. While the local Emirati population predominantly speaks Arabic, many expatriates and residents are also fluent in the language.
Arabic is the primary language spoken in Dubai, reflecting the cultural heritage of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). For those interested in learning Arabic, Dubai offers several language centers and institutes that provide Arabic language courses for beginners and advanced learners.
Some notable institutions include the Dubai International Academic City, Dubai Arabic Language Centre, and the Berlitz Language Center.
These institutions offer a range of courses, including group classes, private tutoring, and immersive language programs to help individuals develop their Arabic language skills.
Here is a table highlighting some popular language centers in Dubai for learning Arabic:
| Language Center | Location | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai International Academic City | Dubai Academic City | +971 4 360 6456 |
| Dubai Arabic Language Centre | Al Mankhool, Dubai | +971 4 397 6422 |
| Berlitz Language Center | Multiple locations | +971 4 323 4888 |
These language centers provide a conducive learning environment with qualified instructors and comprehensive curriculum, enabling individuals to gain proficiency in the Arabic language and immerse themselves in the local culture.
English is Widely Spoken in Dubai
English is widely spoken and serves as a lingua franca in Dubai. It is the language of business, education, and communication across various sectors.
English is widely spoken and understood in Dubai, serving as a common language for business, education, and daily communication.
For individuals looking to learn or improve their English language skills, Dubai offers various language centers and educational institutes. Some prominent options include the British Council, Eton Institute, and the Dubai English Speaking College.
These institutions provide a range of English language courses, including general English, business English, and exam preparation courses such as IELTS and TOEFL. Here is a table highlighting popular language centers in Dubai for learning English:
| Language Center | Location | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| British Council | Business Bay, Dubai | +971 4 363 3000 |
| Eton Institute | Dubai Knowledge Park | +971 4 438 6800 |
| Dubai English Speaking College | Oud Metha, Dubai | +971 4 337 1457 |
These language centers offer qualified instructors, interactive learning materials, and a supportive environment to help individuals develop their English language skills.
Whether for academic, professional, or personal purposes, these institutes cater to learners of all levels and provide a solid foundation in English language proficiency.
UK Expats Communicating in Dubai
Dubai’s expatriate population contributes to the city’s cultural diversity. Here are some prominent expatriate communities and the languages commonly spoken among them.
Dubai is a multicultural city with a diverse expatriate population, resulting in a rich linguistic landscape.
Expatriate communities bring with them a multitude of languages, creating opportunities for individuals to learn and connect with different cultures. Various language centers and institutes in Dubai offer language courses specific to different expatriate communities.
Whether it’s learning French, Spanish, Mandarin, or other languages, individuals can find language centers catering to their specific needs.
Here is a table highlighting popular language centers in Dubai for learning languages commonly spoken by expatriate communities:
| Language Center | Languages Offered | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Alliance Française | French | +971 4 335 8712 |
| Instituto Cervantes | Spanish | +971 4 398 6433 |
| Confucius Institute | Mandarin | +971 4 362 5313 |
These language centers provide specialized language courses, cultural activities, and a supportive learning environment for individuals interested in connecting with specific expatriate communities.
Whether for travel, work, or personal interest, these institutes offer opportunities to explore and embrace different languages and cultures.
South Asian Community
Dubai is home to a significant South Asian community, representing diverse cultures and languages.
For individuals interested in learning languages commonly spoken within the South Asian community, there are several language centers and institutes in Dubai that offer specialized courses.
Here is a table highlighting popular language centers for learning languages spoken by the South Asian community:
| Language Center | Languages Offered | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Institute of Indian Languages | Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam | +971 4 455 8383 |
| Urdu Academy Dubai | Urdu | +971 4 337 3632 |
| Kerala Islamic Academy | Malayalam | +971 4 273 4076 |
These language centers provide tailored language courses, cultural programs, and experienced instructors to help individuals learn and engage with South Asian languages.
By learning these languages, individuals can deepen their cultural understanding and better connect with the South Asian community in Dubai.
- Hindi: Spoken by a significant number of Indian expatriates.
- Urdu: Commonly spoken by Pakistani expatriates.
- Bengali: Widely spoken by Bangladeshi expatriates.
- Filipino Community:
- Tagalog: Filipino expatriates commonly speak Tagalog, their native language.
Statistics and Demographics
Dubai is a vibrant city with a diverse population, resulting in a rich linguistic landscape. Here is a table showcasing the top languages spoken in Dubai and some institutes where individuals can learn these languages:
| Language | Percentage of Speakers in Dubai | Language Learning Institutes |
|---|---|---|
| Arabic | Majority | Dubai Arabic Language Centre, Eton Institute |
| English | Widely spoken | British Council, Berlitz Language Center |
| Hindi/Urdu | Significant community | Hindi Urdu Institute, Language Bridge |
| Tagalog | Filipino community | Filipino Institute, Philippines Cultural Center |
| Malayalam | South Indian community | Kerala Cultural Centre, Indian Association |
These institutes offer language courses tailored to different proficiency levels, enabling individuals to enhance their language skills and better connect with the diverse communities in Dubai.
Want to Learn a New Language?
Dubai boasts a wide selection of international schools that cater to the needs of expatriate families.
These schools follow various curricula, including British, American, Indian, and International Baccalaureate (IB). Research and visit schools in advance to find the one that aligns with your family’s educational preferences and requirements. Dubai offers a diverse range of education options for residents.
Here is a table highlighting some of the educational institutions in the city:
| Education Options | Description |
|---|---|
| International Schools | Dubai is home to numerous international schools that follow various curricula, such as British, American, Indian, and IB, providing quality education for expatriate and local students. |
| Local Schools | Local schools in Dubai follow the UAE Ministry of Education curriculum, offering education in Arabic and English for Emirati and Arab expatriate students. |
| Universities | Dubai has several universities and higher education institutions offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various disciplines. |
| Vocational Institutes | Vocational institutes in Dubai provide specialized training and education for individuals seeking practical skills in areas like hospitality, healthcare, engineering, and more. |
| Language Institutes | Language institutes offer language courses for both children and adults, including Arabic, English, and other foreign languages, to enhance language skills and cultural understanding. |
These education options in Dubai cater to the diverse needs and aspirations of students, ensuring access to quality education and opportunities for personal and academic growth.
Eton Institute Dubai:
Website: https://etoninstitute.com/ Offers a wide range of language courses, including Arabic, English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Mandarin, and more.
Berlitz Language Center:
Website: https://www.berlitz.ae/ Provides language training in Arabic, English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Japanese, and other languages.
Pomegranate Institute:
Website: https://www.pomegranateinstitute.com/ Offers language courses in Arabic, English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, and more.
Eton Deals Language Training Center:
Website: https://www.etondeals.com/ Provides language courses in Arabic, English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Mandarin, and other languages.
Arabic Language Centre:
Website: https://www.arabiclanguagecentre.com/ Specializes in teaching Arabic language courses for both beginners and advanced learners.
Linguaphone Language Institute:
Website: https://www.linguaphone-me.com/ Offers language courses in Arabic, English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Russian, and more.
Kaleidoscope Language Institute:
Website: https://www.kaleidoscopelanguage.com/ Provides language courses in Arabic, English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Russian, and more.
Speak Institute:
Website: https://www.speak.ae/ Offers language courses in Arabic, English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Mandarin, and other languages.
FAQs
What languages are commonly spoken in Dubai?
The primary languages spoken in Dubai include Arabic, which is the official language, and English, widely used for business and daily communication. Additionally, due to its diverse expatriate population, languages like Hindi, Urdu, Tagalog, and others are also prevalent.
Is it necessary to know Arabic to live or work in Dubai?
While knowledge of Arabic can be beneficial for cultural integration, many expatriates live and work in Dubai without fluency in Arabic. English serves as a common language for business and daily interactions, making it relatively comfortable for non-Arabic speakers.
Are there opportunities to learn Arabic in Dubai?