Guide

Dubai Nightlife: The Best Bars for Women in 2026

The Best Dining Offers in Dubai: Chic Restaurants, Lounges, Beach Clubs and Girls Nights

Sink Into Serenity: Inside Dubai’s Most Luxurious Sand Bath Experience at Cinq Mondes Spa

The Case for Music: Why Dubai’s Expat Mums Are Choosing Aureus

Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series - An Experience They Keep Coming Back To

Top 10 Most Affordable Budget Airlines in the UAE For Your Next Trip

Outdoor Movie Nights Return to JLT Dubai: Cinema Under the Stars Is Back for the Winter Season

Dubai Expat Resident Receives Commemorate Passport Stamp After 60 Years

Dubai Just Launched a Travel Influencer Academy

Classifieds

Jobs

How to Get a UAE Influencer License: Step-By-Step Guide & Requirements

Dubai Announces Pilot Launch of 4-Day Work Week For Employees

UAE Job Loss Insurance Claim Rejected? Here's Why It Could Happen

How to Claim UAE Job Loss Insurance: Eligibility and Step-by-Step Guide

Dubai Ranked Among Top 5 Cities in the World to Work In

Can I Get Fired in the UAE For My Mental Health Condition?

Dubai Dedicates AED 150 Million Government Support Fund For Influencers

How to Deal With Workplace Harassment in the UAE

The UAE's New End-of-Service Programme, Explained for Residents

Events

Don’t Miss It: DAZ Festival 2026 is the Ultimate Family Day Out This April

Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series - An Experience They Keep Coming Back To

Wicked Makes Its Middle East Debut at Dubai Opera and It's Unmissable

Outdoor Movie Nights Return to JLT Dubai: Cinema Under the Stars Is Back for the Winter Season

Real Madrid World is Celebrating World Football Day With AED 199 Tickets

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Win Cash Prizes Up to AED 300 For Every Kilo Lost With UAE's Weight Loss Challenge

Eid Al Fitr 2025 in the UAE: When is the Long Weekend?

Ramadan 2025 in Dubai: List of Ramadan Markets to Explore

Education

The Case for Music: Why Dubai’s Expat Mums Are Choosing Aureus

AL JABR EFI Opens Its French Nursery and Kindergarten in Dubai

Why Expat Families in the UAE Are Choosing Online School Over Traditional Classrooms

Dubai Private School Hosts Rare Art Exhibition: "Royal Lineage Across a Thousand Years of History"

The Education Plan Every Expat Parent Wishes They’d Started Sooner

Art, Culture, and Inspiration Come Alive: A One-of-a-Kind Celebration at BC Academy

Getting Kids to Cooperate Without Punishment or Rewards - Aware Parenting with Eva from Kisari.Kids

Back-to-School, Reimagined: How UAE Families Are Choosing a Smarter Start to the School Year

Embark on a Summer Adventure at Kids First Group Universe!

Money

Divorce in Dubai Explained: A 2026 Guide to UAE Family Law, Custody and Your Rights

The Legal Framework of Real Estate in Dubai

Marital Breakdown & Divorce: A Guide for Expat Mums Living in Dubai and Across the UAE

The Education Plan Every Expat Parent Wishes They’d Started Sooner

How to Pay UAE Fines in Instalments Using Tabby

Hidden Costs of Expat Life in Dubai (and How to Outsmart Them)

UAE Unveils New Official Dirham Symbol, Inspired By the Country's Flag

6 Financial Resolutions to Make for the New Year

Meet Dr. Hassan Elhais: A Pillar of Legal Expertise for Expats in the UAE

Home

The Legal Framework of Real Estate in Dubai

Getting Kids to Cooperate Without Punishment or Rewards - Aware Parenting with Eva from Kisari.Kids

Are "Own Visa" and Freelancer Visa Domestic Workers Legal in the UAE?

Hiring a Maid in the UAE: 5 Legal Red Flags

Ask a UAE Flower Shop: Your Most Common Questions, Answered

FYI Dubai is Banning All Single Use Bags From June 1

Carrefour's 'Choose Better' Programme is Here to Reward Healthier Choices With 10x the Points

Are UAE Domestic Helpers Allowed to Work on a Trial Period and Hired After?

Pet Breeding in the UAE: Is it Allowed and Where to Find Legal Pet Breeders

Car

How to Convert a Non-UAE Driving License in Dubai: A Complete Guide

Booking Taxis in Dubai: How to Hail a Taxi Through WhatsApp

What Are the Requirements For a Car Loan in Dubai?

Dubai Public Commute Timings & Road Closures for New Year's Eve

UAE Petrol Prices Will Increase in August 2024

Head's Up! Dubai Taxi Fares Will Increase in May 2024

UAE Announces New Fuel Prices For May 2024

Missing UAE License Plates: How to Report a Lost Plate or Reclaim Yours

Authorities to Waive All Dubai Traffic Fines Incurred on April 16

Wellness

Managing Anxiety During Uncertain Times: Practical Strategies to Stay Mentally Strong

Top Tips to Have a Healthy Heart in the UAE

9 Warning Signs for Breast Cancer

Where to Get Free Breast Cancer Screening in the UAE 2025

Win Cash Prizes Up to AED 300 For Every Kilo Lost With UAE's Weight Loss Challenge

Discover "The New You" at Zieda's Aesthetic Clinic in Dubai

Top Ladies-Only Gyms and Fitness Centres in Dubai

Say Goodbye to Wrinkles With Mediclinic's Botox Mondays Offer

Get Expert Healthcare and Wellness Delivered to Your Doorstep in Dubai Within 30 Minutes

Shop

Shopping In Dubai

Best Online Shopping Sites in Dubai and UAE

An A-Z Guide to Dubai's Popular Malls

What To Wear At The Beach In Dubai

14 Hilarious Realities of Visiting Dubai Mall

Every Day is a Discount Day on THIS Deals Site

Cityland Mall Preview: Dubai's New Nature-Inspired Shopping Mall

EWmums

EWfood

ewmoda

Arabic Courses: which ones are the best, cheapest...

11

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 15 July 2011 - 20:51

I want to learn arabic, and I am wondering if anyone has experience with trying several places.
Which places are the best, what are the differences in methods, what are the cheapest ones...

Any comment will be appreciated

Log in to post new content in the forum.

1

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 29 May 2017 - 14:00

I tried Alyasameen Arabic courses for non-native speakers. They have very good books. The best that I found till now. They offer also samples in the website: http://alyasameen.net

1

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 11 April 2017 - 12:04

I would suggest Golden Age Institute in JLT and Silicon Oasis. I had 1 semester of arabic language there and was very satisfied! The teacher was great, as well as the whole staff. Most of them speak french as well, which is great for me :) I am level 3 now, and as soon as I find someone to take care of my baby I will re-enroll for the morning class

3

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 21 August 2015 - 15:06

For Conversational Arabic, I think RAAD Education is very good (www.RaadEducation.com) It is taught by native speakers who understand how to teach and care about the students. Last term when I took the course it cost AED1700. Not sure now how much but worth dropping them an email. Nadine

146

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 16 June 2015 - 13:26

Does anyone have anything to add regarding the gulf Arabic classes at Sheikh Mo Center for Cultural Understanding?

Mexpat9o9111117

1

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 16 June 2015 - 12:58

Check out RAAD. I went there for 3 months (will be attending the next level in September). They offer a one hour free course every now and then :). Might give you an idea of what they offer. The classes are split into smaller group and the course structure is very well done. http://raadeducation.com/

177

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 21 January 2015 - 08:58

Love this thread... its my dream to learn Arabic and it was absolutely fascinating to know in detail the differences in dialects... I can understand most of Quran through practice but I know it is not the spoken language nowadays... unfortunately I don't have transport at the moment to join any institute... but this thread has motivated me to at least start online... !

3376

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 19 January 2015 - 09:06

Just noticed this spread has spanned 4 years :) I speak 2, but want to take the plunge for #3. I have been postponing learning Arabic for various reasons, and did worry that it would be too hard to figure out the approach (MSA vs. colloquial), or was waiting for the best course, app, or program. Just excuses. I didn't worry about sounding funny, because on the flip side, I wouldn't laugh at inexperienced or new English speakers, that's terrible. Spanish is also a language with varied dialects, but I found that people were always helpful and kind to correct me-- even when I ordered a most interesting item for breakfast in Mexico as a new speaker. Better to just get started, as it is not like you will learn bad habits that you won't be able to undo. According to a book I paged through, about misconceptions about learning a new language, it is a good idea to just start with something, anything. And if possible, immerse yourself with podcasts, news, tv shows, and whatever you can.

51

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 19 January 2015 - 00:04

What an absolutely fascinating thread, I have really enjoyed reading it. Hope it continues tomorrow!

12

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 18 January 2015 - 14:54

Hi)) my friend have been in Eton, and he said that it is not best... You need to pay a lots of there....

ummuhammad123100045

48

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 16 January 2015 - 19:25

You could try an Arabic language centre based in Amman, Jordan called Qasid Institute. They have personalised tutoring on a one on one basic exactly tailored to suit your demands. I know them very well, have done courses there in Jordan and online here in the UAE. They are really excellent, passionate and serious. They understand very well the difficulty of making that jump from MSA across to the local ammiyya and they will straddle that for you. It is a problem for every learner. Some say it is easier to learn the local language first then hop across to MSA, others say best to learn everything properly first, MSA, then hop across to the local. Personally I have sort of learned both in tandem, as I speak Arabic to my neighbours whilst studying Arabic proper in courses. My experience is that those who learn the local first find it harder to get into the MSA more than the other way around. still, dont let all this put you off. I love both streams; I find it fascinating how spoken Arabic has modified the language proper into a living speaking language. Learning Arabic is a fantastic journey. The MSA is best as it gives you the language proper and you will understand the roots; once you understand the roots you can fly and adapt and do a lot of guesswork as to what is being talked about. I would not recommend Egyptian as it has a law all unto itself; the dialect closest to MSA is actually Jordanian and Syrian. Emirati Arabic chops off stuff more than any other. Anyhow its all fascinating; happy journey!!

Mademoiselle D103207

3

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 14 January 2015 - 11:21

The language school "Raad Education" along Sheikh Zayed Road near DIFC provides Arabic lessons, focused on conversational (Levantine accent mainly, spoken in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Palestine, and not too far from Dubai's). Many of my friends took the classic (known as Modern Standard Arabic), but it was not useful since no one speaks it. I've attended a free 'Taster' session in January with them, the session was fun and informative so I signed up for the course, but I have been warned by the teacher that if I don't study between lessons, it will be a waste of my time and money!! It cost aed1620, plus material makes it 1700. I think next Free Taster is around 20 February. Email them to ask on [email protected] edited by Mademoiselle D on 06/02/2015 <em>edited by Mademoiselle D on 06/02/2015</em>

11

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 17 July 2011 - 13:34

Thank you very much for all the answers. I am looking for something that is pedagogic enough to get me writing and reading very fast. Regarding type of Arabic, MSA will do well for me. They might laugh about you when using it (also adding the strange accent I'll have), but i don't care. In these things if you care too much you don't learn as much: next time you have an opportunity you might not try with Arabic. My experience is that in every language being able to understand what they say in TV/ newspapers (signs in the streets and so on) speeds up the process quite a lot. Colloquial language is mainly about practicising, the same way the native speakers pick it up. I'm also lucky enough that my husband is Egyptian, but he has never been that good at teaching me writing and reading, so I am always stuck with the level of language needed for asking for the water across the dinner table. Writing and reading (MSA) will really help me. I would very much like to join one of the superintensive courses, but I am only arriving in September. I'll keep my eyes open on the places you have recomended.

624

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 17 July 2011 - 12:35

I'm starting one tomorrow, 2 hours a day for 2 weeks, at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding in the Bastakiya. Can't tell you if its good yet but I'm looking forward to it! i heard about this and thought it looked good (love the centre!) do report back! Unfortunately the course didn't start! There were only 3 particiants and it needed to be 5. If they can get another 2 by the end of the week it will run, but I'm not very optimistic! Shame - the trainer seemed really nice.

edna.welthorpe36638

516

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 17 July 2011 - 10:32

Once you reach a good level with MSA it will be much easier to pick up different dialects, the reverse is however not true The weird thing about MSA is that although it's understood throughout the Arab world, most native Arabic speakers would candidly tell you that you they do not speak or write it well enough to try and use it themselves, mainly because, as you say, the grammar and syntax need to be so precise. Relatively few Arabs study MSA to the level required to speak and write it fluently. A good working grasp of MSA as a written and spoken language would actually stand you in very good stead for all sorts of jobs in the Middle East, jobs that most native speakers wouldn't be qualified to do. But if you just want to be able to talk to people on an everyday basis, then the value of learning MSA is debatable, since you'd have to learn MSA (which can be pretty daunting) and [i'>then[/i'> the colloquial dialect you wanted to use, which would mean getting to know hundreds of new words and ways of phrasing things that don't exist in MSA.

2362

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 17 July 2011 - 10:01

I'm starting one tomorrow, 2 hours a day for 2 weeks, at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding in the Bastakiya. Can't tell you if its good yet but I'm looking forward to it! i heard about this and thought it looked good (love the centre!) do report back!

548

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 17 July 2011 - 09:59

I would say it all depends on one's objectives. If you just wish to be conversational, then as Edna said, you should pick a dialect. If your objective is to learn the Arabic language properly then I believe MSA is the way to go. Once you reach a good level with MSA it will be much easier to pick up different dialects, the reverse is however not true. If you learn one dialect, a different dialect will most likely be incomprehensible. I'm following the MSA approach myself, but it is more difficult (a lot of grammar, syntax, etc) and you don't see results as fast as by learning a dialect and becoming conversational quickly. As I said, I believe it all depends on your objectives-good luck!

edna.welthorpe36638

516

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 16 July 2011 - 19:34

You'll probably be learning MSA plus the words and syntax that are particular to Khaleeji Arabic, then. TBH, if you want to speak Arabic in everyday situations, then the two best colloquial dialects to learn are probably Egyptian and Lebanese. Egyptian is notably different from most other variants of Arabic but it is widely understood throughout the Arabic world because so many Arabic TV programmes and movies come out of Egypt. Lebanese Arabic is often considered one of the easiest dialects for the non-native speaker to learn because it's not as fussy about grammar and syntax as some others. FWIW, we've been told by more than one person that for ease of communication, the single best language to learn in Dubai is Urdu, because there are far more native speakers of Urdu here than any other language and many Arabs understand it too. <em>edited by edna.welthorpe on 16/07/2011</em>

624

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 16 July 2011 - 19:00

Thanks for this information, I've always wondered about MSA. My course is specifically for Gulf Arabic but it was the only one of the courses I research that specified.

edna.welthorpe36638

516

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 16 July 2011 - 18:07

Which form of Arabic do these courses teach? I'm suspecting it's probably Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), which is the kind used on TV, in newspapers etc? (Classical Arabic is strictly and solely used for the Qu'ran and some other ancient texts, no other purpose). The problem with learning Arabic is that most courses teach MSA, because it's understood everywhere in the Arabic-speaking world, but nobody actually speaks MSA in real life. The Arabic that people speak to each other every day is colloquial, and MSA sounds very formal in comparison. If you speak to someone using MSA they will probably laugh, not in a rude way, but because you will be talking to them in a very flowery, formal manner that sounds out of place in everyday conversation. The usual comparison is that MSA sounds, to Arabic ears, the same way Shakespearean English does to English ears. If you use MSA any Arabic speaker will understand you completely, but they will probably then say "We don't say that, we say this" and then tell you what the colloquial version is, which could well use entirely different words that you've never heard before! Colloquial Arabic is almost literally a different language to MSA, it uses different words and different grammar. Unfortunately it can be difficult to find courses that teach colloquial Arabic because Arabic speakers never formally learn it themselves. They just pick it up from friends and family. They learn MSA at school, but they never actually speak it or write it unless they end up working in the media or in certain government jobs.

624

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 16 July 2011 - 16:00

I'm starting one tomorrow, 2 hours a day for 2 weeks, at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding in the Bastakiya. Can't tell you if its good yet but I'm looking forward to it!

everythingnice45485

568

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 16 July 2011 - 11:51

The one in Trade Centre is called Arabic Language Centre. Pretty expensive yeah. Around 2000 for 30 hours but they say that it is the best. Also a bit too far from my location though.

5

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 16 July 2011 - 11:17

Tomorrow super intensive arabic course starts @ eton - 60 hours, 3 weeks AED 2100 if im not mistaken but there are regular courses for less or private courses, etc. Im personally very happy with the institute. Check out their website www.eton.ac

Princess_I45169

1953

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 16 July 2011 - 06:21

try medina online course - really good and free.

8

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 15 July 2011 - 23:33

how much eton charge?

5

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 15 July 2011 - 22:25

Eton institute in knowledge village http://www.eton.ac/ I just finished my Beginner I course :)

789

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 15 July 2011 - 21:04

Have heard the Trade Centre Arabic courses are some of the best, but not that cheap imo - around AED 2000 for the term...people on here have given good reviews of them....

Log in to post new content in the forum.

ON EXPATWOMAN TODAY

AL JABR EFI Early Childhood Centre | French nursery in Dubai

AL JABR EFI Opens Its French Nursery and Kindergarten in Dubai

Dubai women dining offers guide 2026

The Best Dining Offers in Dubai: Chic Restaurants, Lounges, Beach Clubs and Girls Nights

Best music schools for kids in Dubai | Aureus Academy UAE

The Case for Music: Why Dubai’s Expat Mums Are Choosing Aureus

Dubai Nightlife: The Best Bars for Women in 2026

Dubai Nightlife: The Best Bars for Women in 2026

UAE Family Law 2026 | Divorce, Custody & Personal Status Guide for Expat Residents

Divorce in Dubai Explained: A 2026 Guide to UAE Family Law, Custody and Your Rights

Managing Anxiety during Uncertain Times: Practical Strategies to Stay Mentally Strong

Managing Anxiety During Uncertain Times: Practical Strategies to Stay Mentally Strong

The Legal Framework of Real Estate in Dubai | Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy

The Legal Framework of Real Estate in Dubai

Top Online Schools in the UAE for Kids and Teenagers: CambriLearn

Why Expat Families in the UAE Are Choosing Online School Over Traditional Classrooms

A Guide to DAZ Festival 2026 in Al Ain | Tickets, Activities, Food & Beverages, Shows, Events & More

Don’t Miss It: DAZ Festival 2026 is the Ultimate Family Day Out This April

How to get a divorce in Dubai as an expat resident

Marital Breakdown & Divorce: A Guide for Expat Mums Living in Dubai and Across the UAE

Royal Lineage Across a Thousand Years of History exhibition at BC Academy International School Dubai news

Dubai Private School Hosts Rare Art Exhibition: "Royal Lineage Across a Thousand Years of History"

10 Essential Steps to Secure Your Child’s Educational Future

The Education Plan Every Expat Parent Wishes They’d Started Sooner

Psammotherapy at Raffles the Palm Dubai

Sink Into Serenity: Inside Dubai’s Most Luxurious Sand Bath Experience at Cinq Mondes Spa

How to Pay UAE Fines in Instalments Using Tabby

How to Pay UAE Fines in Instalments Using Tabby

Kisari Kids - Awareness Parenting Coach Eva Szorad Interview

Getting Kids to Cooperate Without Punishment or Rewards - Aware Parenting with Eva from Kisari.Kids

Top online British and US High Schools in the UAE: CambriLearn

Back-to-School, Reimagined: How UAE Families Are Choosing a Smarter Start to the School Year

Top 10 Low Cost Airlines in the UAE

Top 10 Most Affordable Budget Airlines in the UAE For Your Next Trip

Top Nursery School Kids Summer Camps in Dubai 2025

Embark on a Summer Adventure at Kids First Group Universe!

Dubai Expat Resident Receives Commemorate Passport Stamp After 60 Years

Dubai Expat Resident Receives Commemorate Passport Stamp After 60 Years

Top 5 UK curriculum online schools for expat families and kids abroad

Top 5 Online Schools For Expat Families in the Middle East

Hidden Costs of Expat Life in Dubai (and How to Outsmart Them)

Hidden Costs of Expat Life in Dubai (and How to Outsmart Them)

Travel influencer academy in Dubai

Dubai Just Launched a Travel Influencer Academy

Central Bank of UAE reveals new official currency symbol for the Emirati dirham

UAE Unveils New Official Dirham Symbol, Inspired By the Country's Flag

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed announces 3 best UAE government departments

Pictured: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed at a UAE Cabinet meeting.

H.H Sheikh Mohammed Ranks 3 Best & Worst UAE Government Departments

New 10-Year UAE Residency Visa for Dubai Content Creators and Influencers

There's a 10-Year UAE Residency Visa for Dubai Content Creators and Influencers

Breakfast with penguins at Ski Dubai Mall of the Emirates

You Can Now Enjoy Breakfast With Penguins in Dubai

How to convert another country's drivers license in Dubai

How to Convert a Non-UAE Driving License in Dubai: A Complete Guide

Registrations open for EYFS curriculum Willow Children's Nursery in Dubai

Where to Choose the Best EYFS Children's Nursery in Dubai Marina

Outdoor cinemas in Dubai for the winter season 2024

The Best Outdoor Cinemas in Dubai to See Open-Air Movies This Winter

Executive Hospitality Programme at South View School in Dubai

Introducing the Executive Hospitality Programme at South View School Dubai

Expat legal consultants in the UAE | Dr. Hassan Elhais

Meet Dr. Hassan Elhais: A Pillar of Legal Expertise for Expats in the UAE

Saray Spa promotions at JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

This Luxury Dubai Spa Has Some of the Very Best Breaks To Escape To

A Complete Guide How to Get an Influencer License in Dubai and UAE

How to Get a UAE Influencer License: Step-By-Step Guide & Requirements