Studying Arabic in Dubai: A 2025 Guide for Beginners

by Barbara Yakimchuk

Studying Arabic In Dubai: Everything You Need To Know

20 May 2025

According to recent statistics, Arabic became the fifth most spoken language in the world in 2024. And while that isn't the only reason for its growing popularity, I have noticed more and more people around me starting to learn it.

So if you are living in Dubai (or any other Arabic-speaking city), why not go beyond just “Marhaba” and “Keef Halak”? If learning Arabic has been on your mind as something new to pick up this summer, here is everything you need to know to get started.

Photo: Nina Zeynep Güler

Step 1: Choose your Arabic dialect

When you browse language platforms or search for online tutors, you will often see a note next to the teacher’s profile that says something like MSA, Levantine, Gulf, or Egyptian — this refers to the dialect the teacher specialises in.

So — what is the difference between them, and which one should you choose?

MSA — Modern Standard Arabic

This is the official, formal version of Arabic used in news, media, official speeches, and documents, so it is understood across all Arabic-speaking countries. But unless you are planning to give public speeches or build a business in Arabic, you probably don't need a separate MSA teacher — especially if you are just starting out. Also, MSA lessons tend to be the most expensive.

Gulf Arabic

This is the dialect spoken in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain. It is the best choice if you live in the Gulf region — and it is also quite close to MSA. That said, Gulf Arabic teachers can be a lit harder to find — so if you have one, hold on to them tightly.

Levantine Arabic

Levantine Arabic is spoken in Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, and Jordan. Even though it isn't the local dialect in Dubai or Riyadh, it is widely understood across the region — which is why a lot of students choose this dialect.

One more thing: many Arabic learners say Levantine is one of the easiest dialects to start with. Its grammar is a bit less complicated, making it less intimidating for beginners. On top of that, most online tutors and language schools offer Levantine, so it is often easier to find.

Egyptian Arabic

Here is the fun part: Egyptian Arabic is the most widely understood dialect across the Arab world, thanks to Egypt’s dominance in movies, music, and TV.

But very few people outside of Egypt actually speak it. So, if your goal is day-to-day communication in the Gulf, Levantine or Gulf Arabic might serve you better.

Moroccan Arabic

A great example of a dialect that is hardly understood anywhere outside of Morocco. So unless you are planning to live there, it is best to skip it and focus on one of the more widely spoken dialects.

Photo: Julia M Cameron

Step 2: Mentally prepare yourself (Meaning: learn what to expect)

The biggest reason many potential Arabic learners hesitate is the fear that the language is too difficult. And let’s be honest — it is often hard to find someone to ask what it is really like.

So, here we are — tackling the most common questions, straight to an Arabic tutor. (By the way, she teaches my husband, who now insists on ordering his coffee only in Arabic.) Meet Nourhan Nashaat — an Arabic teacher with over three years of teaching and more than 80 students who have successfully reached their language goals.

— Arabic is known to be a challenging language — when can learners realistically expect to see their first results?

— Arabic might seem difficult at first, but results often come sooner than expected. Simple phrases like “Good morning,” “Thank you,” or “How are you?” are usually picked up in the first few lessons — and they are enough to surprise people around you!

With consistent learning, most students start understanding basic vocabulary and forming short sentences within the first month. The key is daily exposure — even 15 minutes a day can make a big difference.

— What part of Arabic do students find the hardest — the script, grammar, pronunciation, or something else?

— From my experience, the hardest part for most beginners is pronunciation — especially certain Arabic sounds that don't exist in English or many other languages. Another challenge is forming plurals, since Arabic doesn't follow one clear rule. Words can take various plural forms that students gradually learn over time. But I always tell my students: take it step by step. Practice really does make a difference.

— What usually surprises non-Arabic speakers the most about the language?

— It might sound unexpected, but many are surprised to discover that Arabic isn't nearly as harsh or difficult as they assumed. Students are often struck by how rhythmic, expressive, and even warm the language feels — especially in dialects.

— Do you have any lifehacks for memorising Arabic vocabulary — something you always use with your students?

— Definitely! Repetition is key. I use new words in different sentence contexts during lessons, and after class, I send a voice message with all the vocabulary so students can listen while working, walking, or driving. That kind of passive exposure helps the words sink in naturally.

One more tip: read billboards! Spotting familiar words out in the wild makes learning fun — and sticky.

Step 3: Choose your perfect tutor or language school

Online options:

In today’s world — where it often feels like we are cramming 30 hours into a 24-hour day — online learning can be a real lifesaver. If you can carve out just 2 hours a week for Arabic lessons, here are some great platforms to help you get started:

Preply

A user-friendly platform that connects students with tutors. Just choose the dialect you want to learn, set your budget and availability — and you are good to go!

By the way, Nourhan teaches on Preply too — though my husband might get really annoyed with me for saying this, especially if she ends up fully booked and he can't get a slot anymore!

Photo: Prely

Italki

An online language-learning platform with a concept similar to Preply (though who launched first is anyone’s guess). The idea is simple: browse through teachers, choose a time and price that work for you, and start learning. On average, lessons cost around $10 per session.

Photo: Italki

NaTakallam

An online language platform with a slightly different approach. Instead of picking a tutor first, you choose your dialect and level, then book a package of lessons upfront — perfect if you are someone who tends to disappear after the first few sessions. So book your lessons and get ready to immerse in the world of Arabic!

Photo: Natakallam

Offline

If you have ever watched "Emily in Paris", you probably felt that urge to dive into the vibe — grabbing your morning coffee and croissant, introducing yourself in ten familiar words, and maybe even falling for your classmate. But if we set aside the romantic daydreams, for many, learning a language offline just feels more effective and productive. And if you are one of those people — here are a few great options for studying Arabic offline in Dubai.

The Arabic Language Centre, DIFC

Located in the heart of DIFC, ALC is a pioneer in Arabic language education in Dubai. Founded in 1980 by Maliha Wehbe as the city’s first Arabic institute, it has welcomed over 7,000 students since. We spoke with the team to learn what makes this place so special.

— I noticed your programmes are structured around a set number of hours. How long does it usually take to complete a full course?

— We follow a three-level system — Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced — designed to guide students step-by-step toward fluency. Each level takes 26 hours to complete. By the end of Beginner I, for example, students can hold basic conversations about their day, job, and future plans.

— You mostly offer offline group classes. Is in-person learning more effective than online?

— We do offer hybrid options for flexibility, but in-person learning is definitely more effective — like the gold standard. Especially with Arabic, where pronunciation, facial expressions, and live interaction matter so much. Being in the classroom allows for real-time conversation and interactive role-plays, which really accelerates learning.

— What is the most common reason students want to learn Arabic?

— This is the question we get all the time — and for good reason. Student motivations actually help shape how we design our courses and decide what to focus on. In the past, most people came for social or cultural reasons. But lately, we have noticed a shift: more and more students are learning Arabic for career growth, and business opportunities.

— How long does it take to become fluent?

— Fluency is absolutely achievable — it just depends on your commitment. Some students start from scratch and reach near-native fluency in as little as seven months through intensive, immersive learning. But typically, if you just stay consistent and practice regularly, you can expect to become fluent in about 12 to 13 months.

Headway Institute, Dubai Knowledge Park

Headway is a language school offering a wide range of courses — not just in Arabic, but also in many other languages, including Italian, German, Turkish, and more. All languages are taught by native speakers, and class sizes are intentionally small, typically between 4 to 8 students.

The Arabic programme includes 12 levels, with each level taking around 4 to 6 weeks to complete, depending on your attendance frequency. Most students reach a confident speaking level after completing around 5 to 6 levels. A great place to kick off your language-learning journey!

Language Skills Training Centre, Al Barsha

One of the best things about this centre is the flexibility in class options. They offer customised programmes for children and teens, designed to be interactive and fun, alongside relaxed-paced courses for adults who prefer learning without pressure or rigid goals.

For professionals, there are corporate-focused classes tailored to using Arabic in business settings — with specific timings and vocabulary.