Bogoljub Karic has been working in Dubai for several years now, so
he has become quite knowledgeable of what it’s like to work in the city, as
well as what you need to succeed in your career. One of the questions most
people looking to work in or migrate to Dubai is whether they need to learn to
speak Arabic to get by. The technical answer is no.
Increasing immigrant population
Over the years, Dubai has seen its immigrant population grow, thanks
to the arrival of expats and foreign workers from the West, China, South Asia,
and Southeast Asia. These people have naturally brought bits of their culture
and their language with them, turning Dubai into a melting pot of sorts.
Because of this, there are now several languages besides Arabic being spoken in
the city.
That said, there are immigrants, many of which are Chinese or from
Western countries, who do not normally speak Arabic but are able to lead
normal, productive lives in Dubai. Besides, thanks to globalization and the
said arrival of immigrants, the city’s native population has become more
familiar with the English language than ever before. You can survive,
therefore, and technically speaking, even if you only know how to speak
English.
The importance of learning Arabic
But if you really want to immerse yourself in the culture and
atmosphere of Dubai, it would be best to familiarize yourself with the Arabic
language. Some have even said that knowing the language have helped them get
promoted, so if you want to get ahead in your career, learning Arabic might
just give you the boost you need.
The U.S. Foreign Service Institute (FSI) ranks Arabic as a Category
5 language along with Mandarin and Japanese, which means it is exceptionally
difficult for English speakers to learn. But language schools are available in
the city, some of which you can attend at an affordable rate.
People who have lived in Dubai, like Bogoljub Karic, recommend
getting even just a basic grasp of the Arabic language. Not only is it
something new to learn, it just might help you get on your client’s good side,
too.
