Dubai is a global tourist hub, a business hotspot, and a city full of exciting experiences. Whether you are visiting for business, tourism, or work, knowing some essential English sentences will make your stay much easier.
This guide will help you with 88 must-know sentences for various real-life situations in Dubai. Plus, we have added usage tips, exercises, and answers to boost your confidence in spoken English.
Let’s get started! 🚀
1. Basic Greetings and Introductions
When you meet someone in Dubai, a polite greeting is essential. Use these sentences confidently:
✅ General Greetings:
- Hello! How are you?
- Good morning! / Good evening!
- Nice to meet you!
- My name is [Your Name]. What’s your name?
- Where are you from?
✅ Polite Responses:
- I’m fine, thank you!
- I’m from [Your Country]. What about you?
- It’s a pleasure to meet you.
- Have a great day!
📌 Notable Tip: Emiratis appreciate polite and respectful conversations. Saying “As-salamu alaykum” (Peace be upon you) is a friendly way to greet locals.
2. Asking for Directions in Dubai
Dubai is full of famous landmarks like Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Palm Jumeirah. These sentences will help you navigate the city easily.
✅ Common Questions:
- Excuse me, how can I get to the Burj Khalifa?
- Where is the nearest metro station?
- Can you show me the way to the Dubai Mall?
- Is this the right way to Jumeirah Beach?
- How far is the airport from here?
✅ Common Responses:
- Go straight and take the first right.
- It’s about 10 minutes from here.
- You can take the metro from here.
- Turn left at the next signal.
📌 Things to Remember: Dubai has an efficient metro system. Ask about the nearest metro station to reach places faster.
3. Taking a Taxi or Uber
Taxis are widely available in Dubai. Here’s how to communicate with the driver:
✅ Useful Phrases:
- I need a taxi to the airport.
- How much does it cost to go to Deira?
- Please take me to the Dubai Marina.
- Can we take the fastest route?
- Do you accept card payments?
✅ Possible Driver Responses:
- Sure, please hop in.
- It will cost around 50 dirhams.
- Traffic is heavy, but I’ll take an alternate route.
- Yes, we accept both cash and card.
📌 Tip: Taxis in Dubai are metered, and Uber & Careem are great alternatives. Always confirm the fare before starting the ride.
4. Shopping at Malls and Souks 🛍️
Dubai is famous for shopping! Whether you’re at Dubai Mall or a traditional gold souk, these phrases will be helpful.
✅ Common Questions:
- How much is this?
- Do you have this in another size?
- Can I get a discount?
- Do you accept credit cards?
- Where is the fitting room?
✅ Common Responses:
- This costs 200 dirhams.
- Yes, we have it in medium and large.
- Sorry, no discounts on this item.
- We accept both cash and cards.
- The fitting room is over there.
📌 Pro Tip: In souks (traditional markets), bargaining is common. Try negotiating politely!
5. Ordering Food at Restaurants 🍽️
Dubai offers a variety of cuisines. Use these sentences when ordering food:
✅ Ordering at a Restaurant:
- Can I see the menu, please?
- What do you recommend?
- I’ll have a chicken biryani.
- Is this dish spicy?
- Can I get the bill, please?
✅ Talking to the Waiter:
- Do you have vegetarian options?
- Can I have extra napkins?
- Could you make it less spicy?
- Do you serve halal food?
📌 Tip: Most restaurants in Dubai serve halal food, but it’s okay to ask if you have dietary restrictions.
6. At the Hotel 🏨
Whether checking in or making a request, these sentences will be helpful:
✅ Checking In and Out:
- I have a reservation under [Your Name].
- Can I get a room with a sea view?
- What time is breakfast served?
- I’d like to check out now.
✅ Making Requests:
- Can I get an extra pillow?
- Is there free Wi-Fi?
- I need a wake-up call at 6 AM.
📌 Tip: Most hotels in Dubai provide top-class service. Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance.
7. At the Airport ✈️
When arriving or departing from Dubai International Airport, these sentences will help:
✅ Arrival and Immigration:
- Where is the immigration counter?
- How long is the wait time?
- Where can I get a taxi?
✅ Departure:
- Where is the check-in counter for Emirates Airlines?
- How much luggage am I allowed to carry?
- Can I get an aisle seat, please?
📌 Tip: Always check your flight details on the airport screens to avoid last-minute rush.
8. Emergencies and Help 🚑
In case of emergencies, knowing what to say is crucial:
✅ Medical Emergency:
- I need a doctor.
- Where is the nearest hospital?
- Call an ambulance!
✅ Lost Items:
- I lost my passport. Can you help?
- Where is the lost and found section?
✅ Police Assistance:
- I need to report a theft.
- Can I get help from the police?
📌 Tip: 999 is the emergency number in Dubai for police, ambulance, and fire services.
9. Fun and Entertainment 🎢
Dubai has endless entertainment options. Here’s how to talk about them:
✅ Planning Activities:
- Where can I book a desert safari?
- What time does the Burj Khalifa observation deck open?
- Are there any water parks nearby?
✅ Talking About Fun:
- This place is amazing!
- The view is breathtaking!
- I love the food here!
📌 Tip: Many attractions require advance bookings, so check online before visiting.
Practice Exercise 📝
🟢 Fill in the blanks with the correct words:
- ______________ (Where/How) can I find a taxi stand?
- ______________ (Can/Do) I get a discount on this?
- Excuse me, ______________ (where/what) is the nearest metro station?
- ______________ (Can/Do) I get the menu, please?
- ______________ (Where/What) time is check-in?
🔹 Answers:
- Where
- Can
- Where
- Can
- What
Final Thoughts 🌍
Dubai is a melting pot of cultures, and knowing these 88 essential sentences will make your stay smoother.
🔥 Key Takeaways:
✔️ Be polite and respectful.
✔️ Use clear and simple English.
✔️ Always ask for help when needed.
Want to improve your spoken English? Subscribe to Guruji English Classes for fun and easy lessons! 🎥
📢 Tell us in the comments—which sentence did you find most useful? 😊