Exploring the Countries Where Arabic is Taught and Spoken

The Arabic language connects more than 20 nations and hundreds of millions of Arabic speakers. Understanding where Arabic is spoken helps us grasp how language shapes identity, trade, and politics across many countries. Arabic is a popular and useful language that is spoken in several countries across the world. It's also personally used, as more and more citizens of the world are mobile. Native Arabic speakers now reside in most countries around the world.

While Classical Arabic is the language of religious scholarship, many countries use regional versions of Arabic for everyday conversation. In this article, we’re going to discuss the Arabic language in use today and explore the countries where Arabic is taught and spoken.

The Global Reach of Arabic

Did you know that Arabic is the fifth most common primary language in the world? There are approximately 313 million people who speak Arabic. That number increases to 422 million people when you include non-native speakers or those who speak Arabic as a secondary language. The only languages that are more widely spoken are Mandarin, English, Hindi, and Spanish.

Arabic speakers in Turkey may use several dialects. They include North Levantine Arabic and Mesopotamian Arabic.

Arabic as an Official Language

Arabic is the official language of twenty-two countries and all of these countries also are members of the Arab League, with the exception of Chad (which holds Observer Status). As a primary language, Arabic is popular in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

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Here's a look at some of these countries:

1. Egypt: Egypt has the largest country population in the Arab world, with more than 100 million people. Egyptian Arabic is widely understood across the Arabic speaking world thanks to film and television. In Egypt, the language is called Egyptian or Egyptian Arabic. The most common dialect is Masri. Considering that Egyptian Arabic is the most widely spoken dialect of Arabic in the world, Egypt is a good choice to learn Arabic abroad, especially if you’re interested in an experience that is as culturally rewarding as it is educational. Whether your goal is to learn Arabic for professional and business use, learn Arabic while on vacation, or learn Arabic for diplomacy to help you develop mediation and negotiation skills for a new job, Egypt offers a host of short and long-term learning opportunities. Depending on your needs and goals, you can choose to become proficient in Arabic conversation, writing, business communication, and public speaking. Many language learners choose to study Arabic in Cairo, a city that charms visitors who stay long enough to venture beyond its tourist traps. With traditional values on one hand and cultural and socio-political dynamism on the other, it’s a fascinating place to live in once you learn to adjust to the cultural norms. If you’re interested in history and archaeology, Egypt, often called the cradle of civilization, is undeniably one of the most interesting countries to visit in the world while you add a new language skill to your repertoire.
2. Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia sits on the Arabian Peninsula and holds major religious importance in Islam. The country plays a central role in the Islamic world. Peninsular Arabic is the dialect spoken in Saudi Arabia and a great deal of the Arabian Peninsula. Other countries that use this dialect include Southern Iran, Southern Iraq, Yemen, and Oman. Due to a culture that is significantly more conservative than its neighbors, Saudi Arabia remains an unusual choice to travel abroad to learn Arabic. But if you find yourself moving there to work or intern abroad, then you should definitely think of learning Arabic. Though English is widely spoken in cities like Riyadh that are home to a large expat population, locals appreciate a foreigner who is trying to learn their language. Private Arabic language tutoring is available in cities like Jeddah and Riyadh and fees are charged by the hour. The Arabic Linguistics Institute at King Saud University offers an intensive two-year full-time program for non-native male students at the undergraduate level and under the age of 25, and results in a Diploma. The university offers accommodation. Other institutes such as Ascent offer group language courses that are conducted over seven to eight weeks, ranging from one to three classes a week and accept students of all ages and proficiency.
3. Iraq: Iraq recognizes Arabic as an official language alongside Kurdish, making it one of several countries with two official languages. Located in western Asia, Iraq connects the Arab states of the Persian Gulf with the Levant. Mesopotamian Arabic is the most common Arabic language spoken in Iraq.
4. Syria: Syria is another Middle Eastern country where Arabic is the official language. Different dialects appear across the country, but Modern Standard Arabic serves as the national language in education and government. The most common dialects of Syria are Levantine Arabic and Damascus Arabic. Syrian or Levantine Arabic is largely spoken in Syria. Levantine Arabic is also common in Jordan, Palestine, and Lebanon and is the next most commonly spoken dialect after Egyptian.
5. Lebanon: Lebanon lists Arabic as its official language, though French and English are widely spoken. The country is multilingual, thanks in part it its history of trade and migration. Lebanon’s most popular dialect is Levantine Arabic, which is also common in Syria and western Jordan.
6. Sudan: Sudan, located in northeast Africa, recognizes Arabic as an official language. The Sudanese Arabic dialect is spoken in Sudan. The etymology of many of the words and phrases here is derived from the historical language of the region and includes both African and Arab influences.
7. Kuwait: Kuwait lies along the Persian Gulf and lists Arabic as its official language. Kuwait plays an active role among Arab states in the region. In Kuwait, the dialect spoken most frequently is called the Gulf Arabic dialect.
8. United Arab Emirates: The United Arab Emirates, with Abu Dhabi as its capital, recognizes Arabic as the official language. This federation of emirates sits on the Arabian Peninsula and connects Asia to global markets. Gulf Arabic is the most popular dialect in this country. The U.A.E. might not be the most budget-friendly destination on this list to learn Arabic abroad in, especially in cities such as Dubai or Abu Dhabi, but as a country that offers the opportunity to meet people from all around the world in a truly cosmopolitan setting, it certainly is an interesting option. Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi are modern cities home to a large population of expats and offer a high standard of living. The U.A.E. is also safe, progressive and politically stable. All of this serves as a great introduction to the Middle East if this is your first time in the region. One of the important things to know about learning Arabic in the U.A.E. is that at first, you might not be motivated to practice speaking Arabic while in the country, as everyone is fluent in English. So it will definitely take a conscious effort on your part to put your skills to test, but once you begin to converse in Arabic, you’ll find that your efforts are much appreciated and encouraged by locals. In the U.A.E., you’ll find language schools, private tutoring, as well as university courses that offer credits teaching Arabic language courses ranging from shorter or part-time beginner and conversation level to advanced level. The American University of Sharjah offers Arabic language study to students whose universities have an exchange program with AUS as well as to Visiting Students.
9. Palestine: Palestine recognizes Arabic as an official language. Arabic is spoken in government, schools, and media. The Palestinian Territories. They are also part of the Arab League and Arabic is the primary language.
10. Comoros Islands: The Comoros Islands in the Indian Ocean list Arabic as one of their official languages alongside French and Comorian. There are several dialects spoken in Comoros. The Shingazija dialect is the one that’s most common. Other dialects used in this country include Shimwali, Moheli, and Shinzwani.
11. Western Sahara: Western Sahara, a disputed territory in North Africa, uses Arabic in official contexts. Hassaniya Arabic is the most common dialect here.
12. Jordan: Jordan, located in western Asia, recognizes Arabic as its official language. The Jordanian dialect is Levantine Arabic. There are different languages that influence this dialect of Arabic, including English and Turkish. Thanks to the ancient Nabataean capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra and the desert landscape of Wadi Rum, Jordan attracts visitors from all over the world. Amman is a culturally rich city that offers the perfect balance of tradition and modernity. For adventure and nature lovers, activities such as canyoning in Wadi Mujib, diving in Aqaba, or floating in the Dead Sea lie within easy reach and make for an excellent way to explore Jordan during weekends. Some language centers offer small group courses to develop conversational skills, while others offer short and long courses in Modern Standard Arabic and also organize trips around Jordan.
13. Algeria: The dialect spoken in Algeria is called Algerian Arabic or Darja. It’s similar to Tunisian and Moroccan Arabic. Other dialects in Algeria include Eastern Algerian Arabic and Western Algerian Arabic. Like many Arabic-speaking countries, the official language here is Modern Standard Arabic. This is most similar to the dialects of Tunisia and Algeria.
14. Bahrain: Bahrani Arabic, also called Baharna Arabic, is common in Bahrain. It’s also spoken in Eastern Arabia and Oman.
15. Chad: The Chadian Arabic dialect is also called Shuwa or Shua Arabic. It’s also called Western Sudanic Arabic.
16. Djibouti: Djibouti has two different official languages - French and Arabic. The Arabic dialect is Ta’izzi-Adeni, also referred to as Djibouti Arabic.
17. Libya
18. Morocco: Morocco offers an Arabic learning experience that is markedly unique; its cultural influences come from the Berbers, Arabs, North Africa, and Spanish and French colonial rule, and visitors are rewarded with magnificent Saharan landscapes, labyrinth medinas, lush oases, fishing villages, beach towns and exciting cities home to colonial Andalusian architecture, fortifications, and bustling cities. Learning Arabic in Morocco is sure to be culturally immersive and students will find themselves eager to practice their skills outside tourist-heavy areas where English is spoken. You can choose to learn Modern Standard Arabic or Moroccan Arabic (Darija) in a small group, guaranteeing greater individual attention. Intensive six-week courses in Modern Standard Arabic and Colloquial Moroccan Arabic are available while other schools accept students of all ages and proficiency. Most schools try to minimize the use of English in the classroom to encourage students to expand and use their Arabic vocabulary. Schools may also organize extracurricular activities, field trips and excursions around the country.
19. Oman: The Omani Arabic dialect is the most commonly spoken here, and it’s also spoken in a few of the regions near Oman. For the Arabic language learner willing to go off-the-beaten-path, Oman offers a Middle Eastern experience that expertly balances tradition and modernity in an environment that is warm, hospitable and politically stable. The cost of living as well as program costs in Oman are significantly lower than those in neighboring UAE. You can take a language vacation in the capital Muscat, living with a host family or in an apartment while you learn Arabic or take a more intensive course learning Modern Standard Arabic that involves 20 hours per week of classroom instruction, conversation practice with an Omani facilitator, and review sessions and seminars. A’Sharqiyah University offers courses in both Modern Standard Arabic and Omani Colloquial Arabic that helps students with everyday conversations. The university offers student accommodation as well as excursions around Oman during free time.
20. Qatar: The dialect of Qatar is known as Qatari, sometimes called Gulf Arabic.
21. Tunisia: The Tunisian dialect is called Derja. This is the most common dialect in this country. With historical cities such as Tunis and Hammamet that inspire artists and writers, Maghrebi architecture of minarets and courtyards, and beautiful seaside towns, Tunisia, a country where culture is infused with Roman, Ottoman, Phoenician, and Berber influences, attracts the most intrepid of Arabic language learners. Arabic language courses offer Modern Standard Arabic and range from short courses to longer 10-week comprehensive courses that combine group lessons, private tutoring and volunteering while staying with a host family, and also offer university credits. Schools may also organize leisure activities and trips for students so they can explore archaeological sites, museums, smaller towns and villages and the countryside during the program. While some programs offer accommodation with host families, others offer private rooms and apartments.
22. Yemen: The Yemeni dialect is spoken in Yemen and parts of Saudi Arabia.

Regions Where Arabic is a Recognized Minority Language

Countries where Arabic is the official language are not the only places where Arabic is a popular primary language for residents. There are six places where Arabic is recognized as a minority language. Those include:

• Iran: Modern Standard Arabic and Classical Arabic are both taught to Arabic-speaking children in school here. The most common dialect of Arabic in Iran is Khuzestani. After the Islamic Revolution in 1979, Arabic (as the language of Quran) became mandatory for pupils in Iran. There are several TV channels in Arabic language broadcasting from Iran, namely, Al-Alam, Al-Kawthar TV, iFilm, Ahwazna TV, Al Ahwaz TV and Al-Ahvaz TV.
• Niger: Arabic is one of the recognized national languages in Niger.
• Senegal: Arabic is one of the recognized national languages in Senegal.
• Mali: Maghrebi Arabic and Classical Arabic are spoken in Mali.
• Cyprus: Cypriot Arabic is spoken in Cyprus, also called Sanna. Cypriot Arabic (also known as Cypriot Maronite Arabic) is taught at the Elementary School of St.
• Pakistan: The Arabic language is mentioned in the constitution of Pakistan. It declares in article 31 No.
• Philippines: The Arabic language is mentioned in the Philippine constitution of 1986. Arabic is mainly used by some Filipino Muslims in both a liturgical and instructional capacity since the arrival of Islam and establishment of several Sultanates (like Sultanate of Maguindanao, Sultanate of Sulu and Sultanate of Ranaw) and during Bruneian Empire in the present-day state Philippines.
• South Africa: The Arabic language is mentioned in the Constitution of South Africa. It declares in Chapter 1 (Founding Provisions) Section 6, Languages that "A Pan South African Language Board established by national legislation must (b) promote and ensure respect for - (i) all languages commonly used by communities in South Africa, including …; and (ii) Arabic, …

Arabic Dialects in Use Today

There are many dialects of Arabic spoken today, but they are divided into a few main categories. These include Classical Arabic also called Quranic, Modern Standard Arabic, and Colloquial Arabic.

• Classical Arabic: Classical Arabic has spoken in the 7th-9th centuries AD. This is also called Quranic because it’s the form of Arabic that the Quran was written in and it’s the standard literary form for the language. This is the language used in religious texts, as well as some fiction and poetry.
• Modern Standard Arabic: Modern Standard Arabic is the currently recognized and taught form of the language. This is the language used in education and written communication by Arab speakers. It would be the form of Arabic that you’re most familiar with in business dealings or any formal communication. Modern Standard Arabic is used in trade, business correspondence, and the language most professional texts adhere to, such as books or content used by Universities. This is also a standard dialect and many Arabic speakers do use Modern Standard Arabic, but pronunciations often differ. As with any language, regions, backgrounds, and influences will alter the way words are spoken.
• Colloquial Arabic: This is the daily Arabic or the specific dialect used in the region. There are many dialects, and some are very similar to each other. However, some differ so drastically that they can be difficult to understand, even to native speakers of a different dialect. The most common of colloquial Arabic dialects are Egyptian, Maghrebi, and Gulf. The Egyptian dialect is spoken in Egypt. Because this dialect is often used in media, such as television shows and movies, it’s very commonly used in the Arabic-speaking world. It’s also well understood, even by those who speak a different dialect. There are other language traditions mixed into the Egyptian dialect, such as Turkish and English. Maghrebi is another very popular dialect. Also called Darija or Derja, the language continuously changes, and new terms are added to the lexicon. The dialect has adopted Modern Standard Arabic terms, as well as other languages that include Italian and French. The Gulf dialect is popular in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and some parts of Saudi Arabia. You’ll find that different areas use their own terminology. In essence, the Gulf dialect is a collection of dialects that are similar to each other, but with some distinctly geographic terms depending on where you are.

The Importance of Arabic in a World Economy

With the tremendous growth of the Arabic language around the world, it’s increasingly important to make room for this beautiful and historied language in business and in personal life. This is a fantastic secondary language for people who would like to access communication in other nations. Translating Arabic for people speaking other languages has become increasingly important in many industries.

Many countries in the Middle East have risen in prominence on the international business scene. While you don’t need to necessarily go to the countries below, learning Arabic can offer professional and personal benefits where you’re at. There are many online resources available that can help you learn Arabic.

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