Saudi Arabia is opening its doors to the world, and while English is increasingly spoken in hotels, airports, and tourist areas, learning even a handful of Arabic phrases will transform your trip. Locals respond warmly to any attempt at their language, and a well-placed shukran or as-salamu alaykum can open doors that no amount of money or technology can. This guide is part of our comprehensive Saudi Arabia travel guide and covers every phrase you are likely to need, from your first greeting at the airport to haggling in a Jeddah souk, ordering kabsa in a Riyadh restaurant, or asking for directions in AlUla. Whether you are visiting for the first time on a tourist e-visa or returning for deeper exploration, these phrases will help you connect with Saudi culture on a level that goes far beyond sightseeing.

Why Learn Arabic for Your Saudi Trip?

You do not need to be fluent in Arabic to enjoy Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom has invested heavily in bilingual signage, English-speaking hospitality staff, and tourist infrastructure. That said, there are compelling reasons to learn at least the basics:

• Cultural respect: Saudis take immense pride in the Arabic language. A greeting in Arabic signals genuine interest in their culture and is almost always met with warmth, smiles, and often an invitation to sit down for coffee.
• Practical advantage: Outside the tourist corridors of Riyadh and Jeddah, English proficiency drops. Taxi drivers, market vendors, and staff in smaller cities like Taif or Najran will communicate far more easily if you can say a few words in Arabic.
• Better prices: In traditional souks and markets, speaking some Arabic often signals that you are not a first-time tourist and can lead to fairer opening prices during negotiation.
• Deeper experiences: Understanding the religious and cultural expressions woven into daily Saudi conversation — inshallah, mashallah, alhamdulillah — helps you understand the rhythm of Saudi life itself.

Tip: Do not worry about perfect pronunciation. Saudis are genuinely delighted when foreigners attempt Arabic. Even a basic marhaba delivered with a smile will earn you goodwill everywhere from a Dammam coffee shop to an AlUla desert camp.

A Quick Note on Saudi Arabic Dialects

Arabic is not monolithic. The Modern Standard Arabic (MSA, or fusha) taught in textbooks is the language of news broadcasts, official documents, and the Quran, but nobody uses it in everyday conversation. In Saudi Arabia, you will encounter several distinct dialects:

• Najdi Arabic — spoken in central Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh and surrounding cities like Buraydah. This is the dialect most closely associated with the Saudi identity. It tends to be more guttural and pronounces the Arabic letter qaf (ق) as a hard “g” sound.
• Hejazi Arabic — spoken in the western coastal region, including Jeddah, Mecca, and Medina. Hejazi is considered softer in sound and has absorbed vocabulary from Egyptian, Yemeni, and Turkish influences due to centuries of pilgrim traffic through the Hejaz.
• Gulf Arabic (Khaliji) — spoken in the Eastern Province (Dammam, Al Khobar, Dhahran) and shares features with the dialects of Kuwait, Bahrain, and the UAE.
• Southern dialects — spoken in Asir, Najran, and Jizan, these dialects have their own distinct character and share some features with Yemeni Arabic.

The good news for travellers is that all Saudis understand MSA and will understand the phrases in this guide regardless of which region you visit. The phrases below use a mix of MSA and widely understood colloquial Saudi forms.

Greetings and Basic Courtesies

Greetings are the foundation of Saudi social life. A proper greeting is never skipped, even in busy shops or hurried taxi rides. Get these right and you have already won half the battle.

English	Arabic Script	Pronunciation	When to Use
Peace be upon you	السلام عليكم	as-salamu alaykum	Universal greeting — works everywhere, always
And upon you peace (reply)	وعليكم السلام	wa alaykum as-salam	Reply to as-salamu alaykum
Hello / Welcome	مرحبا	marhaba	Casual, friendly greeting for any situation
Welcome (warm)	أهلا وسهلا	ahlan wa sahlan	Warm welcome; you will hear this constantly
Good morning	صباح الخير	sabah al-khayr	Morning greeting (before noon)
Good morning (reply)	صباح النور	sabah an-noor	Reply — literally “morning of light”
Good evening	مساء الخير	masa’ al-khayr	Evening greeting (after noon)
Good evening (reply)	مساء النور	masa’ an-noor	Reply — literally “evening of light”
How are you? (to a man)	كيف حالك؟	kayf halak?	Standard “how are you” to a male
How are you? (to a woman)	كيف حالك؟	kayf halik?	Same phrase, slightly different pronunciation for a female
Fine / Good	بخير	bi-khayr	Standard reply to “how are you”
Praise be to God	الحمد لله	alhamdulillah	Common reply to “how are you”; also used to express gratitude
Goodbye	مع السلامة	ma’a as-salama	Standard farewell — literally “go with peace”
In God’s protection	في أمان الله	fi aman Allah	A beautiful and common alternative farewell

Cultural note: Always greet with as-salamu alaykum when entering a shop, meeting someone new, or starting any interaction. It is the single most important phrase in Saudi Arabia and sets a respectful tone for everything that follows. Non-Muslims are welcome to use it — locals appreciate it regardless of your faith.



Essential Polite Expressions

Saudi culture places enormous value on courtesy. These words will come up dozens of times a day.

English	Arabic Script	Pronunciation	Context
Thank you	شكرا	shukran	Universal — use it constantly
You’re welcome	عفوا	afwan	Reply to shukran
Please (request)	من فضلك	min fadlak (m) / min fadlik (f)	When asking for something
Excuse me / Sorry	عذرا	udhran	Getting someone’s attention or apologising
No problem	ما في مشكلة	ma fi mushkila	Reassuring someone; also “don’t worry about it”
Yes	نعم	na’am	Formal “yes”
No	لا	la	Simple “no”
God willing	إن شاء الله	inshallah	Used for any future plan — “I’ll be there at 7, inshallah”
God has willed it	ما شاء الله	mashallah	Complimenting someone or something; protects against the evil eye
Praise be to God	الحمد لله	alhamdulillah	Expressing gratitude or satisfaction
In the name of God	بسم الله	bismillah	Said before eating, starting a journey, or beginning any task
I swear by God	والله	wallahi	Emphasising truth or sincerity; very common in casual speech

Understanding “Inshallah” — The Most Important Word You Will Hear

If you learn only one Arabic expression beyond shukran, make it inshallah. This phrase — meaning “God willing” — appears in virtually every Saudi conversation about the future. “Will the tour start at 9?” Inshallah. “Can you fix the air conditioning today?” Inshallah. “Is the restaurant open tonight?” Inshallah.

For travellers, it is important to understand the range of meanings. Inshallah can mean a genuine “yes, God willing, it will happen.” It can also mean “I hope so but I’m not certain.” And occasionally, said with a particular tone, it can mean a polite “probably not.” Context and tone are everything. If you are waiting on a firm confirmation, a follow-up question is perfectly acceptable.

When to Use “Mashallah”

When complimenting anyone or anything in Saudi Arabia — a beautiful child, a well-decorated home, a delicious meal, a nice car — always add mashallah. This is not optional social decoration. In Saudi culture, a compliment without mashallah can be perceived as inviting the evil eye (al-ayn). Saying mashallah attributes the good thing to God’s will and protects the person or object from envy. You will hear Saudis say it reflexively, and adopting this habit shows cultural awareness.

Getting Around: Directions and Transport

Whether you are using Uber and Careem, hailing a taxi, or navigating on foot, these phrases will keep you moving. For a full breakdown of transport options, see our getting around Saudi Arabia guide.

English	Arabic Script	Pronunciation
Where is…?	وين…؟	wayn…?
Where is the hotel?	وين الفندق؟	wayn al-funduq?
Where is the airport?	وين المطار؟	wayn al-matar?
Where is the bathroom?	وين الحمام؟	wayn al-hammam?
Take me to…	خذني إلى…	khudhni ila…
How much to the hotel?	بكم إلى الفندق؟	bikam ila al-funduq?
Stop here, please	وقف هنا من فضلك	waqqif hina min fadlak
Right	يمين	yameen
Left	يسار	yasar
Straight ahead	على طول	ala tool
Near / Close	قريب	gareeb
Far	بعيد	ba’eed
Street	شارع	shari’
Train station	محطة القطار	mahattat al-qitar
Bus station	محطة الباص	mahattat al-bas

Tip: In Riyadh, the new metro system has full bilingual signage, so navigation is straightforward even without Arabic. However, for the older bus routes and SAR trains, a few Arabic words for stations and directions go a long way.



Hotels and Accommodation

Most hotels in Saudi Arabia have English-speaking reception staff, but these phrases are useful in smaller guesthouses, budget accommodation, and when communicating with housekeeping.

English	Arabic Script	Pronunciation
I have a reservation	عندي حجز	indi hajz
I have a reservation under the name…	عندي حجز باسم…	indi hajz bi-ism…
Room	غرفة	ghurfa
Room key, please	مفتاح الغرفة من فضلك	miftah al-ghurfa min fadlak
Is there Wi-Fi?	في واي فاي؟	fi way-fay?
Air conditioning	تكييف	takyeef
The air conditioning is not working	التكييف ما يشتغل	at-takyeef ma yishtaghil
Hot water	ماء حار	ma’ har
Checkout	تسجيل الخروج	tasjeel al-khurooj

Food and Dining

Saudi Arabia’s food scene is one of the best reasons to visit. From Riyadh’s booming restaurant quarter to street-side shawarma stalls and traditional mandi houses, these phrases will serve you well. For a full culinary overview, see our Saudi Arabia food and dining guide.

English	Arabic Script	Pronunciation
I’m hungry	أنا جوعان	ana jaw’an
I’m thirsty	أنا عطشان	ana atshan
Table for two, please	طاولة لشخصين من فضلك	tawla li-shakhsayn min fadlak
The menu, please	المنيو من فضلك	al-menyu min fadlak
What do you recommend?	شو تنصحني؟	shu tinsahni?
I’d like…	أبي…	abi… (Najdi) / abgha… (Hejazi)
Water	ماء / موية	ma’ / moya
Coffee	قهوة	gahwa (Saudi pronunciation)
Tea	شاي	shay
Chicken	دجاج	dajaj
Lamb / Meat	لحم	laham
Rice	رز	ruz
Bread	خبز	khubz
Delicious!	لذيذ!	ladheedh!
The bill, please	الحساب من فضلك	al-hisab min fadlak
Without spice / Not spicy	بدون حار	bidoon har
I don’t eat meat	ما آكل لحم	ma akul laham

Arabic Coffee Etiquette

Being offered Arabic coffee (gahwa) and dates is one of the most common hospitality rituals in Saudi Arabia. It will happen at hotels, homes, shops, and even government offices. Here is the etiquette:

• Accept the cup with your right hand.
• The server will pour a small amount — this is normal, not stingy. Arabic coffee is served in small cups and refilled repeatedly.
• When you have had enough, shake the cup gently from side to side to signal you are done. Otherwise, your cup will be refilled.
• To thank your host, say “Allah ya’teek al-afiya” (الله يعطيك العافية) — meaning “God give you strength/wellness.” This is the culturally appropriate way to express thanks for hospitality.

Dining note: Many traditional restaurants in Saudi Arabia have a family section (قسم العائلات, qism al-a’ilat) and a singles section (قسم الأفراد, qism al-afrad). The family section is for families and mixed groups including women; the singles section is for men dining alone or in male-only groups. This distinction has relaxed considerably in recent years, especially in Riyadh and Jeddah, but you may still encounter it in smaller cities. For more on navigating Saudi dining customs, see our Saudi cooking classes guide.

Shopping and Bargaining

From the gold souks of Al Balad in Jeddah to the traditional markets of Al Malaz in Riyadh, knowing some shopping Arabic is essential. Fixed-price stores (malls, supermarkets) do not require negotiation, but traditional souks expect it — and good-natured haggling is part of the experience. For a complete shopping overview, see our Saudi Arabia shopping guide.

English	Arabic Script	Pronunciation
How much is this?	بكم هذا؟	bikam hadha?
Too expensive	غالي	ghali
Is there a discount?	في خصم؟	fi khasm?
Can you lower the price?	تقدر تنزل السعر؟	tigdar tinazzil as-si’r?
I’ll take it	آخذه	akhudhuh
I don’t want it	ما أبيه	ma abih
Just looking	بس أتفرج	bas atfarraj
Do you have…?	عندك…؟	indak…?
Done / Deal	تمام / خلاص	tamam / khalas
Where is the market?	وين السوق؟	wayn as-souq?

Haggling Tips in Saudi Souks

• Always start with a greeting — as-salamu alaykum — before discussing prices.
• Expect the initial asking price to be 50-100% above the final price in traditional markets.
• Saying ghali (too expensive) with a friendly smile is the standard opening move. The seller expects it.
• Walking away slowly is a legitimate tactic. If the seller calls you back, you have leverage.
• Khalas (done/enough) signals you have reached your limit.
• Never haggle in modern malls, supermarkets, or shops with posted prices — this is considered rude.

Numbers: 1 to 20 and Key Amounts

Knowing numbers in Arabic is particularly useful for prices, taxi fares, and hotel rooms. Saudi Arabia uses both Arabic-Indic numerals (٠١٢٣٤٥٦٧٨٩) and Western numerals (0123456789) — you will see both on signs and price tags. For more on money and payments, see our Saudi Arabia currency guide and ATM and banking guide.

Number	Arabic Script	Pronunciation	Arabic Numeral
1	واحد	wahid	١
2	اثنين	ithnayn	٢
3	ثلاثة	thalatha	٣
4	أربعة	arba’a	٤
5	خمسة	khamsa	٥
6	ستة	sitta	٦
7	سبعة	sab’a	٧
8	ثمانية	thamaniya	٨
9	تسعة	tis’a	٩
10	عشرة	ashara	١٠
20	عشرين	ishreen	٢٠
50	خمسين	khamseen	٥٠
100	مية	miya	١٠٠
1,000	ألف	alf	١٠٠٠

Money note: The Saudi currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR), divided into 100 halalas. A riyal is colloquially called a riyal (ريال). When asking prices, “bikam?” (بكم, how much?) is all you need. For amounts, you can simply say the number followed by riyal: “khamseen riyal” = 50 riyals.

Religious and Cultural Expressions

Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam, and religious expressions are woven into everyday conversation — even among less religiously observant Saudis. Understanding these phrases is not just practical but essential for respectful interaction. For more on navigating religious customs, see our mosque etiquette guide and our guide for non-Muslim travellers.

Expression	Arabic Script	Pronunciation	Meaning and Usage
In the name of God	بسم الله	bismillah	Said before eating, drinking, entering a home, starting a journey. Use it before your first bite at any meal.
God willing	إن شاء الله	inshallah	Any reference to future plans. “See you tomorrow, inshallah.”
God has willed it	ما شاء الله	mashallah	When complimenting anything — a person, a view, a car, food. Essential.
Praise be to God	الحمد لله	alhamdulillah	After eating, when something good happens, when asked how you are.
Glory be to God	سبحان الله	subhanallah	Expressing wonder or amazement at something. “The desert sunset was… subhanallah.”
God bless you	بارك الله فيك	barak Allahu feek	Thanking someone deeply; a step above “shukran.”
If God permits	بإذن الله	bi-idhn Allah	Stronger version of inshallah; implies more certainty.
God give you strength	الله يعطيك العافية	Allah ya’teek al-afiya	Said to anyone working — a waiter, driver, shopkeeper. Very well received.
May God have mercy	الله يرحمه	Allah yarhamuh	When someone mentions a deceased person.



Prayer Times and What to Say

Saudi Arabia observes five daily prayers, announced by the adhan (call to prayer) from every mosque. During prayer times, many shops close for 15-30 minutes. If you are in a shop or restaurant when the adhan sounds:

• Do not be alarmed — it is normal.
• You may be asked to wait or to leave the shop briefly.
• The phrase “ba’d as-salah” (بعد الصلاة, “after prayer”) tells you the shopkeeper will return after prayers.
• If someone says they need to pray, respond with “taqabbal Allah” (تقبل الله, “may God accept”) — a kind and culturally appropriate response.

Emergencies and Health

Hopefully you will never need these, but having emergency phrases ready is essential. Saudi Arabia’s emergency number is 911 (or 999). Operators may answer in Arabic; if you need English, say “English, min fadlak” and you will usually be connected to an English speaker. For more on staying safe, see our health and vaccinations guide.

English	Arabic Script	Pronunciation
Help!	!مساعدة	musa’ada!
Help me!	!ساعدني	sa’idni!
I need a doctor	أحتاج دكتور	ahtaj doktoor
Hospital	مستشفى	mustashfa
Pharmacy	صيدلية	saydaliya
Police	شرطة	shurta
Where is the police station?	وين مركز الشرطة؟	wayn markaz ash-shurta?
I’m lost	أنا ضايع	ana daye’
I’m sick	أنا مريض	ana mareed
It hurts here	يوجعني هنا	yooja’ni hina
I’m allergic to…	عندي حساسية من…	indi hasasiya min…
Fire!	!حريق	hareeq!
Ambulance	إسعاف	is’af
Everything is fine	كل شيء تمام	kul shay’ tamam

Key numbers: 911 — unified emergency number (police, fire, ambulance). 997 — ambulance only. 993 — traffic police. Most hospital emergency departments in major cities have English-speaking staff.

Uniquely Saudi Slang and Expressions

These are phrases you will hear Saudis use constantly that do not appear in any textbook. They are the linguistic markers of someone who understands Saudi culture beyond the surface.

Expression	Arabic Script	Pronunciation	Meaning
Let’s go!	يلا	yallah	The universal call to action — “come on, let’s go, hurry up.” Used everywhere, all day.
Really / Very / Much	مرة	marrah	Perhaps the most Saudi word there is. “Marrah zain” = really good. “Marrah ghali” = very expensive.
Done / Enough / Finished	خلاص	khalas	Signals the end of anything — a deal, a meal, a conversation. “Khalas, I’m full.”
Great / OK	تمام	tamam	Universal acknowledgement — “OK, great, perfect, fine.”
My dear / Beloved	حبيبي	habibi (m) / habibti (f)	A term of endearment used broadly — to friends, to strangers being friendly, to children. Not romantic in most contexts.
Beautiful / Nice	حلو	hiloo	“Marrah hiloo” = really nice. Used for food, places, people, things.
Welcome (warm, repeated)	هلا والله	hala wallah	An enthusiastic welcome — “hello and welcome by God.” Informal and friendly.
Good stuff / Excellent	زين	zayn	“Good” in Saudi dialect. “Zayn?” = “All good?”
What?	ايش؟	aysh?	Saudi way of saying “what?” More colloquial than MSA “madha.”
Now / Right now	الحين	al-heen	Saudi for “now” — different from MSA “al-aan.” Very commonly used.



At the Airport and Border

International airports in Saudi Arabia (Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam) have extensive English signage and English-speaking immigration staff. Still, these phrases are useful for smaller domestic airports and for interacting with ground staff.

English	Arabic Script	Pronunciation
Passport	جواز سفر	jawaz safar
Visa	تأشيرة	ta’sheera
Where is the baggage claim?	وين استلام الأمتعة؟	wayn istilam al-amti’a?
Where is the exit?	وين المخرج؟	wayn al-makhraj?
I’m a tourist	أنا سائح	ana sa’ih
I’m here for… days	أنا هنا لمدة… أيام	ana hina li-muddat… ayyam
Arrivals	الوصول	al-wusool
Departures	المغادرة	al-mughadara

Useful Phrases for Specific Situations

Taking Photos

Saudi Arabia is a photographer’s paradise, but always ask before photographing people, especially women.

English	Arabic Script	Pronunciation
Can I take a photo?	ممكن أصور؟	mumkin asawwir?
Can I take a photo of you?	ممكن أصورك؟	mumkin asawwrak?
No photography here	ممنوع التصوير هنا	mamnu’ at-tasweer hina

Making Friends

Saudis are famously hospitable. If you are invited to someone’s home or struck up a conversation, these phrases deepen the connection.

English	Arabic Script	Pronunciation
What is your name?	شو اسمك؟	shu ismak? (m) / shu ismik? (f)
My name is…	اسمي…	ismi…
Where are you from?	من وين انت؟	min wayn inta?
I’m from…	أنا من…	ana min…
Nice to meet you	تشرفنا	tasharrafna
I love Saudi Arabia	أحب السعودية	ahibb as-su’udiya
I don’t speak Arabic	ما أتكلم عربي	ma atakallam arabi
Do you speak English?	تتكلم إنجليزي؟	titkallam ingleezi?
I’m learning Arabic	أتعلم عربي	at’allam arabi
Slowly, please	ببطء من فضلك	bi-but’ min fadlak

Cultural tip: If a Saudi invites you to their home, it is polite to accept. Remove your shoes at the door. You will almost certainly be offered Arabic coffee and dates upon arrival. Compliment the home (with mashallah). When offered food, the host will insist you eat more — it is polite to resist gently once or twice before accepting. Saying “alhamdulillah, I’m full” (الحمد لله شبعت, alhamdulillah shiba’t) signals you are satisfied. Read more about cultural do’s and don’ts in our Saudi customs and etiquette guide.

Pronunciation Guide for English Speakers

Arabic has several sounds that do not exist in English. Here is a quick guide to the trickiest ones:

Sound	Arabic Letter	How to Say It	Example
kh	خ	Like the “ch” in Scottish “loch” or German “Bach.” A raspy, throat-clearing sound.	khubz (bread), khayr (good)
gh	غ	Similar to a French “r” — a gargling sound from the back of the throat.	ghali (expensive), ghurfa (room)
‘ (ayn)	ع	A constriction deep in the throat, like the sound you make when you gag slightly. No English equivalent.	‘arabi (Arabic), sa’idni (help me)
h (heavy)	ح	A breathy, whispered “h” from the throat — not the light English “h.”	habibi (my dear), haram (forbidden)
q	ق	A “k” sound produced far back in the throat, at the uvula. In Saudi Najdi dialect, often becomes a hard “g.”	gahwa (coffee), qitar (train)
dh	ض	An emphatic “d” sound — tongue pressed against the palate.	Ramadan

Do not stress about perfection. If you pronounce kh as a regular “k” or miss the ayn entirely, people will still understand you from context. The effort matters more than the accuracy. Saudis will often gently correct your pronunciation in a friendly, encouraging way — take it as a compliment that they want to help you get it right.

How to Learn More: Resources and Apps

If this guide has whetted your appetite, here are practical ways to build on these basics before and during your trip:

• Duolingo Arabic — teaches MSA with audio pronunciation. Free and gamified, though it does not cover Saudi dialect specifically.
• Pimsleur Arabic (Eastern) — audio-based course focused on spoken Gulf Arabic, which is closer to Saudi dialect than MSA courses.
• TalkInArabic.com — offers a dedicated Saudi Arabic section with video lessons taught by native speakers from different Saudi cities.
• ArabicPod101 — podcast-format lessons with both MSA and Saudi dialect content.
• Google Translate — the camera translation feature is surprisingly useful for reading Arabic signage, restaurant menus, and product labels in real time. Download the Arabic language pack for offline use before you travel.
• YouTube — search for “Saudi Arabic for beginners” or “learn Saudi dialect” for free video lessons with native speakers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A few cultural and linguistic pitfalls to be aware of:

• Left hand: Always use your right hand for greetings, eating, and passing objects. The left hand is traditionally considered unclean in Arab culture.
• Sole of the foot: Avoid showing the sole of your shoe or foot to anyone — it is considered deeply disrespectful across the Arab world.
• Compliments without mashallah: As noted above, always add mashallah to compliments. Forgetting this can be read as inviting envy.
• Assuming “inshallah” means “yes”: It often does, but not always. Pay attention to tone and follow up if clarity matters.
• Being too direct with “no”: Saudis often soften refusals. Rather than a flat la (no), a phrase like “inshallah bukra” (God willing, tomorrow) may be a polite way of declining. Learning to read this indirect communication style is part of understanding Saudi culture.
• Gendered language: Arabic distinguishes between male and female in pronouns, verb forms, and some greetings. When in doubt, use the masculine form — it is understood and accepted. When you know you are addressing a woman, switching to the feminine form (halik instead of halak, min fadlik instead of min fadlak) is appreciated but not mandatory.
• Using slang with officials: At immigration, police stations, or government offices, stick to formal MSA phrases rather than Saudi slang. Na’am (yes) rather than ee; shukran (thank you) rather than yislamo.

Quick Reference: 20 Phrases to Memorise Before Your Flight

If you only learn twenty phrases, make it these. Print this list or save it to your phone.

#	English	Pronunciation
1	Peace be upon you	as-salamu alaykum
2	Hello	marhaba
3	Thank you	shukran
4	Please	min fadlak
5	Yes	na’am
6	No	la
7	Goodbye	ma’a as-salama
8	How much?	bikam?
9	Where is…?	wayn…?
10	God willing	inshallah
11	God has willed it (for compliments)	mashallah
12	Praise God	alhamdulillah
13	In the name of God (before eating)	bismillah
14	Delicious!	ladheedh!
15	Too expensive	ghali
16	Water	moya
17	I need help	ahtaj musa’ada
18	Do you speak English?	titkallam ingleezi?
19	Let’s go!	yallah
20	Done / OK / Enough	khalas

Practical Tips for Using Arabic in Saudi Arabia

• Start every interaction with a greeting. Whether you are entering a taxi, a shop, a restaurant, or a government office, always open with as-salamu alaykum or at minimum marhaba. This is non-negotiable in Saudi culture.
• Download offline Arabic on Google Translate before you arrive. Mobile data is cheap and fast in Saudi Arabia (see our phone and SIM card guide), but having offline capability for menus and signs is a safety net.
• Point and phrase. In restaurants without English menus, combining a pointed finger at another table’s dish with “abi hadha” (I want that) is perfectly acceptable and effective.
• Write it down. If you are heading to a specific address, have it written in Arabic on your phone to show taxi drivers. Most Saudi addresses include neighbourhood names rather than street numbers.
• Embrace the learning curve. You will mangle pronunciations. You will use masculine when you mean feminine. You will say inshallah at the wrong moment. None of this matters. The attempt is what counts, and Saudis will meet your effort with warmth every time.

Explore More Saudi Arabia Travel Guides

• Saudi Arabia Travel Guide 2026 — The complete guide to visiting the Kingdom
• Saudi Arabia Customs and Etiquette — What to do and what not to do
• Saudi Arabia Food and Dining Guide — What to eat and where to find it
• Saudi Arabia Shopping Guide — Best malls, souks, and what to buy
• Mosque Etiquette in Saudi Arabia — How to visit mosques respectfully
• Saudi Arabia Visa Guide — Every visa type explained