How Much of Dubai Speaks English?

By Robert Palmer

Dubai is a city that attracts people from all around the world for various reasons. Whether it’s for tourism, business, or relocation, one of the most common questions that come to mind is: How much of Dubai speaks English? In this article, we will explore the answer to this question in detail.

The official language of Dubai

The official language of Dubai is Arabic. However, due to its diverse population and international nature, English has become widely spoken in the city. In fact, English is considered as a second language and is taught in schools.

English proficiency in Dubai

According to a report by EF Education First, Dubai ranks 15th out of 100 non-native English speaking countries and is considered to have moderate proficiency in English. This means that while many people speak and understand English in Dubai, it may not be at a native level or fluency.

English-speaking population in Dubai

It’s estimated that around 90% of Dubai’s population are expatriates. Many of these expats are from countries where English is either the first or second language. Therefore, it’s safe to say that a significant portion of the population speaks and understands English.

Tourist areas

Dubai is known for its tourism industry and has many tourist attractions such as Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Mall, etc. These areas are frequented by tourists from all around the world, and therefore have a higher concentration of people who speak English. It’s common for hotels and tourist attractions to have staff who can speak multiple languages including English.

Business language

Dubai is also a hub for many international businesses and companies. In the business world, English is considered as the universal language and is used for communication between different nationalities. Therefore, many business professionals in Dubai speak English fluently.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Arabic is the official language of Dubai, English is widely spoken and understood in the city due to its diverse population and international nature. It’s safe to say that a significant portion of the population speaks and understands English.

When it comes to tourist areas and businesses, English is commonly used. Therefore, visitors should not have any trouble communicating in English in Dubai.