The 20 classic Dubai words and phrases we use every day
Feeling a little lost in translation?
There are some essential terms that you'll need to know about when navigating life in the UAE.
From Arabic words that are used in everyday conversation (the elusive yaani) to confusing lingo in apartment adverts (chiller-free… post-dated cheques…) here is your handy guide to Dubai words you need to know.
Dubai words. Credit: Adobe Express
Classic Dubai words and phrases
Ahlan wa sahlan
Definition: Literally translated, ahlan wa sahlan means welcome, however, it is commonly used as a general greeting just like hello in English.
How to use it in a sentence: 'Ahlan wa sahlan, please come in.'
Alhamdulillah
Definition: Arabic for Praise be to God and thank God. It is used to say thank you to God for good things that happen to you.
How to use it in a sentence: 'I passed my class, Alhamdulillah.'
Arbab
Definition: Arbab is originally a Persian word that means 'boss' or 'landlord'. In Dubai, it's used to describe someone who oversees you or your work.
How to use in a sentence: 'Arbab, can I please have the day off?'
Boss
Definition: A casual way to address a man, similar to saying mate. It is often said to delivery drivers, petrol station attendants and people preparing your food.
How to use it in a sentence: 'Yes boss. Thank you, boss.'
Chammak
Definition: A very colloquial way to describe teens that hang around malls at night and try hard to be part of the cool group.
How to use it in a sentence: 'On a Friday night, this spot is full of chammaks.'
Chiller-free
Definition: A place that is advertised as chiller-free means that the tenant does not pay for air conditioning usage.
How to use it in a sentence: 'The apartment is chiller-free.'
DEWA
Definition: Dubai Electricity & Water Authority is the authority which supplies electricity and water to residents' homes.
How to use it in a sentence: 'My Dewa bill was quite high this month.'
Ejari
Definition: An online registration system initiated by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) that all tenants and landlords must use when living in Dubai.
How to use it in a sentence: 'I need to sort the Ejari out for my new apartment.'
Habibi
Definition: An endearing way to say my love/my dear in Arabic. It can be used to address a friend or sweetheart.
How to use it in a sentence: 'Habibi, come to Dubai.'
Inshallah
Definition: Arabic for if God is willing and used to say the outcome of something is in God's hands.
How to use it in a sentence: 'I will send over the paperwork today, inshallah.'
Khalas
Definition: It's an Arabic word for 'finish' or 'that's it'.
How to use it in a sentence: 'Khalas, I don't want to be a part of this anymore.'
Khalli walli
Definition: A very Dubai-specific way of saying forget about it.
How to use it in a sentence: 'Khalli walli, I don't want to go out anymore.'
Mabrook
Definition: Congratulations.
How to use it in a sentence: 'Mabrook on your new car. It looks amazing.'
Mashallah
Definition: Arabic saying that translates in English to God willed it and is used to praise God when something happens.
How to use it in a sentence: 'You are so pretty, Mashallah.'
Post-dated cheques
Definition: Cheques that are dated for a later date in the future and often required when renting a home in Dubai.
How to use it in a sentence: 'I have to provide four post-dated cheques to my landlord when I sign my lease.'
RERA
Definition: RERA stands for the Real Estate Regulatory Agency – a government agency responsible for regulating the real estate sector in Dubai.
How to use it in a sentence: 'I am going to contact RERA to find out if my landlord is allowed to increase my rent this much.'
Wallah
Definition: Arabic for I swear by God and used to prove you are telling the truth.
How to use it in a sentence: 'Wallah, this is the best meal I've had.'
Yaani
This might be one of the trickiest words to translate.
Definition: It is the Arabic word for 'means' or 'like'. It can also be used as a filler word instead of 'um' or 'you know'.
How to use it in a sentence: 'Yaani, why am I involved?'
Yakhee
Definition: Bro or bruh.
How to use it in a sentence: 'Yakhee, just come here.'
Yalla
Definition: Arabic saying meaning let's go and often used to hurry people along.
How to use it in a sentence: 'Yalla, let's go.'
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