Dubai's official language is Arabic but there are many variations prevalent in the city. Standard Arabic – the modernised, literary version – is the one you'll encounter in all legal, administrative and government texts, as well as books and newspapers. However, that's not the colloquial dialect.
The official language of Dubai is Arabic, though English is even more widely spoken. With the exception of some local Emiratis, who make up a small percentage of the total population, almost everyone living in or traveling to Dubai speaks at least passable English.
While in Dubai, the most common greetings visitors will come across are marhaba (hello) and maasalaamah (goodbye or with peace). These are considered standard greetings for everyday situations and would be an appropriate way to say hello to restaurant staff or hotel concierges.
Official Spoken Language of Dubai - Arabic
WIth 3 quarters of all people living here as expats, English is the favourite choice among its population. Immigrants and labourers from South Asian countries have made Hindi, Gujarati, Urdu and Malayalam the common languages in Dubai.
Dubai is the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is located on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf and is the capital of the Emirate of Dubai, one of the seven emirates that make up the country.
Can you drink alcohol in Dubai? If you're 21 or over, expat or holidaymaker, you can legally drink alcohol in Dubai. However, you will need to purchase alcohol from a licensed premises, such as a shop, and enjoyed in the privacy of your own accommodation.
So, is Dubai really that expensive? Dubai isn't actually much more expensive than London, New York, and other big cities. However, Dubai's not a very walkable city. Jaywalking is illegal, and crossings are few and far between.
English is the most commonly spoken language in Dubai. With a high number of expats, most of whom speak English as a native or second language, you'll find it easy to make your way around.
Islam is both the official and majority religion in the United Arab Emirates, professed by approximately 76% of the population.
Dubai is the country's most expensive city to live in. As a luxury tourism destination, Dubai offers high living standards: a single-person estimated monthly expenses are AED 3,700 or $1,000, excluding rent. A family of 4 would spend 3 times more — AED 13,000 or $3,540 monthly.
Also good to know is 'yes' and 'no' which is na'am and la respectively.
Christians are free to worship and wear religious clothing, if applicable. The country has Catholic, Eastern and Oriental Orthodox along with Protestant churches. Although Christian women can marry Muslim men freely, marriage between Muslim women and non-Muslim men is forbidden.
The currency in Dubai is the dirham, which is shortened to AED (United Arab Emirates Dirham). One dirham is divided into 100 fils. The dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, meaning the exchange rate never changes. One US dollar is worth AED3.
February 24, 2022. Is Dubai safe for solo female travelers? Yes, Dubai is definitely safe for solo female travelers, and it is the perfect destination for solo female digital nomads!
Is there a dress code in Dubai? Since the national religion of the UAE is Islam, visitors are expected and encouraged to dress in modest clothing. According to the official website of the UAE Government, visitors are expected to dress modestly in public places.
In Dubai, holding hands, hugging, and kissing in public is considered socially unacceptable and if caught indulging in such acts, you might land up in jail. Many foreigners have already suffered the consequences. Do not join the bandwagon. This is considered one of the most important things not to do in Dubai.
English is widely spoken in Dubai, so you won't have to become fluent in Arabic to get around. That being said, most people who live in Dubai will pick up at least some Arabic over time.
Dubai is famous for the record-breaking Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and the Palm, its vibrant culture, turbulent history, modern infrastructure, huge aquariums, and indoor ski slopes. Dubai is also known for its ultra-fast cars, driverless subway, scorching summer heat, and fantastic beaches.
The short answer is yes. Dubai is safe for westerners, including Americans. Dubai is a Persian Gulf oasis that travelers ranked as one of the safest cities in the world in 2023: however, it's also important for westerners to also be aware of local laws and customs.
Cost of living in Sydney (Australia) is 22% more expensive than in Dubai (United Arab Emirates)
Australia is 33.1% more expensive than Dubai.
Dubai vs. Dubai vs.
I'd say that the average cost of a trip to Dubai, for a week, per person, in 2023, ranges between £650 – 970 (US$795 – 1,186) for budget travellers. For a mid-range budget, expect to spend around £1,300 – 1,950 (US$1,590 – 2,385), and for a luxury holiday anything from £3,800 (US$4,650) upwards.