You do not need perfect English to live in Dubai. But a few useful words and phrases can make daily life much easier.
Shopping, booking an appointment, using transport or speaking to a delivery driver all become simpler when you know what to say. For many people, English for expats in Dubai is mostly about feeling comfortable in common situations.
In this guide:
Shopping • Appointments • Transport • Restaurants • Deliveries • Phone calls • Small talk • Useful clarification phrases
Why is everyday English so useful in Dubai?
Dubai is an international city, and English is used in many everyday situations: at work, in shops, restaurants, buildings, taxis and services.
You do not need advanced English. If you can ask a simple question, understand the main answer and explain what you need, that is already very useful.
Where do expats use English most in everyday life?
Prices, sizes, payment and returns.
Dates, times and changing an appointment.
Destinations, directions and asking for help.
Ordering, ingredients and paying.
Location, timing and simple problems.
Introductions and simple small talk.
1. Shopping: asking clearly for what you need
Shopping is a good place to practise English in Dubai because the conversations are usually short.
Try these phrases:
Do you have this in another size?
How much is this?
Can I pay by card?
Can I return or exchange this?
Where can I find…?
Try to learn full phrases, not only single words. They are easier to use in real life.
2. Appointments: dates, times and simple explanations
Many appointment conversations are simple and follow the same pattern.
Try these phrases:
I’d like to book an appointment.
Do you have anything available on Thursday?
Could I change my appointment to next week?
What time should I arrive?
Could you send me the details by message?
If phone calls are difficult, write down the sentence you need before you call.
3. Transport: directions, taxis and getting around
For transport, you mainly need place names, directions and simple questions.
Useful phrases include:
Could you take me to this address?
Is this the right way to…?
Where is the nearest Metro station?
Should I get off here?
Could you say that again more slowly?
4. Restaurants and cafés: ordering with confidence
Restaurants and cafés are another easy place to practise. A few polite phrases are enough for most situations.
Useful phrases include:
I’d like the…
Could I have this without…?
Does this contain…?
Could we have the bill, please?
Can I get this to take away?
5. Deliveries and home services: explaining locations and problems
Delivery drivers, building staff and service workers often need simple information: where you are, when you are free or what is wrong.
Useful phrases include:
I’m in apartment…
Please leave it with reception.
Could you call me when you arrive?
The air conditioning is not working properly.
When can someone come to check it?
6. Phone calls: what to say when you do not understand
Phone calls can be harder because you cannot see the other person. You do not need to understand every word. You only need to know how to ask for help.
Useful phrases include:
Sorry, could you repeat that?
Could you speak a little more slowly?
Could you spell that for me?
Let me check that I understood correctly.
Could you send that to me by WhatsApp or email?
7. Work and social situations: small talk matters too
English conversation in Dubai is also useful for work and social life. Simple small talk can help you speak with colleagues, neighbours and new people.
Try questions like How long have you been in Dubai?, What do you do? or How was your weekend?
Useful phrases that work in many situations
Three phrases worth memorising first
Could you say that again, please?
Could you speak a little more slowly?
Let me check that I understood correctly.
| What you need | Useful phrase |
|---|---|
| Repeat | Could you say that again, please? |
| Slower speech | Could you speak a little more slowly? |
| Clarification | What does that mean? |
| Confirmation | So, you mean…? |
| More time | One moment, please. |
| Help | Could you help me with this? |
These phrases are very useful when you do not understand something.
How can you improve your everyday English in Dubai?
If you live in Dubai, you can practise English every day. Do not wait until your English feels perfect. Start with small situations.
When can an English course help?
Real-life practice helps, but lessons can give you more speaking practice, useful vocabulary and feedback. This is especially helpful if you understand English but find it hard to answer quickly.
ILS-Swiss offers English courses in Dubai for different levels and learning goals. If you mainly want to speak more, the English Conversation Course in Dubai focuses on speaking and useful vocabulary.
The conversation course is also free for ILS participants who are already enrolled in another course.
If you are not sure about your level, you can first take the online placement test.
