Language
Language is one of the most important things you should know before traveling to Saudi Arabia. People in this country speak Arabic, the official language of the Kingdom, but visitors who do not speak Arabic should not be intimidated. Many Saudis speak English, or at least enough English to communicate. Most road signs are written in both Arabic and English, making it possible for foreigners to get around. English-speaking visitors to Saudi Arabia can probably get by without knowing any Arabic phrases, but knowing a few keywords and phrases can earn you a lot of brownie points with the locals.
Arabic words & phrases that are good to know:
- Hello and goodbye – assalamu alaykom
- Yes – na am
- No – la or kalla
- I want a taxi – ureed sayaratt ujra
- I want to get to [location] – ureed an azhab ila [location]
- Thank you – shukran
- Thank you very much – shukran jazeelan
- Welcome or you’re welcome – ahlan wa sahlan or hayak
- Can I take a photo? – momken asawwar
- Excuse me – afwan
