Useful Arabic phrases for doing business in Saudi Arabia
Key takeaways
- Arabic is the official language; English is common in business
- A few Arabic words build goodwill quickly
- Learn the greeting and its reply first
Arabic is the official language of Saudi Arabia. Business is often conducted in English, but even a few words of Arabic show respect and are warmly received.
Essential phrases
| Arabic | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| السلام عليكم | As-salamu alaykum | Peace be upon you (hello) |
| وعليكم السلام | Wa alaykum as-salam | And upon you peace (reply) |
| شكراً | Shukran | Thank you |
| من فضلك | Min fadlak / fadlik | Please (to a man / woman) |
| إن شاء الله | Insha'Allah | God willing |
| ما شاء الله | Masha'Allah | Expression of admiration |
| الحمد لله | Alhamdulillah | Praise be to God |
| تشرفنا | Tasharrafna | Pleased to meet you |
| مع السلامة | Ma'a as-salama | Goodbye |
Tips
- Use titles such as Mr (Ustadh) or Engineer (Muhandis) when appropriate
- Translate business cards into Arabic on the reverse side
- Arabic reads from right to left, so check layouts of translated materials
Frequently asked questions
Do I need Arabic to do business in Saudi Arabia?
Not necessarily, but official documents are in Arabic, and a trusted interpreter helps in negotiations and government meetings.
Which Arabic is spoken in Saudi Arabia?
Modern Standard Arabic is used in writing and formal settings; people speak regional Saudi dialects day to day.
Need help with this in Saudi Arabia?
Tell us about your company and we will map the exact steps, documents and timeline for you. The first consultation is free.
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