12 Arabic Words You Might Be Pronouncing Wrong

Whether you’ve been in Dubai a long time or you’re a relative newbie, you’ve probably noticed that we’ve developed our own Expat language. Unfortunately, due to our 26 letter English alphabet, many of our sounds and letters do not feature on the Arabic alphabet – so we’ve kind of just ran with it. It should be said, however, that there are many ways to pronounce these words – depending on your accent and where you’re from, but here is a list of the faux pas we tend to make on the regions commonly used phrases. 

1. Hummus

Commonly pronounced as Hmm-us.

Properly pronounced as Hoo-moss.

This one is a little tricky as it depends where you’re from, the H is more Kh and the OO is more Ogh. Get it?

2. Tabouleh

Commonly pronounced as Ta-boo-lee

Properly pronounced as Ta-boo-leh

Like meh. Which is perfect because that’s what life is without tabouleh.

3. Doner

Commonly pronounced as Do-nur

Properly pronounced as Don-na

(Not technically an Arabic word) But we’d probably recommend not going into a kebab shop asking for a donor. 

4. Abu Dhabi

Commonly pronounced as A-ba Da-bee

Properly pronounced as A-boo Tha-bee

Dh in Arabic = Th in English.

5. ‘Madinat’ Jumeirah

Commonly pronounced as Mad-in-aT

Properly pronounced as Ma-dee-nat

Should save you some taxi-related confusion!

6. Dubai

Commonly pronounced as Joo-Buy

Properly pronounced as Doo-Bae

Because Dubai is Bae. Come on, that was an obvious one. 

7. Deira

Commonly pronounced as Day-ra

Properly pronounced as Dare-a

8. Muslim

Commonly pronounced as Muz-lim

Properly pronounced as Mooss-lim

Of course this depends on what news organisation you work for…

9. Khalli Walli

Commonly pronounced as Ka-lee wa-lee

Properly pronounced as Hha-lee wa-lee

Or just say it however you like, khalli walli.

10. Kareem

Commonly pronounced as cream

Properly pronounced as Ca-Ree-m

For all those weird looks you get when you tell your friends you’re bringing cream to a party.

11. Yahya

Commonly pronounced as Ya-ya

Properly pronounced as Yah-hee-ya

Mesa Yaya Binks?

12. Shadi

Commonly pronounced as Shay-dee

Properly pronounced as Sha-dee

Will the real Slim Shadi please stand up?