مع السلامة
ma'a al-salama
In Dubai, 'goodbye' in Emirati Arabic is مع السلامة (ma'a al-salama). If unsure, use مع السلامة. It is also called الله معك (Allah ma'ak).
Meaning: parting words (intj)
Ways to say it
| Emirati Arabic | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| مع السلامة | ma'a al-salama | |
| الله معك | Allah ma'ak | warmer, to a man |
مع السلامة is the standard, respectful farewell used in any setting. For a warmer goodbye, Emiratis add الله معك, 'God be with you'.
What does it mean word for word?
مع السلامة literally means 'with safety', wishing the other person a safe departure. الله معك means 'God be with you'.
Which one should you use?
مع السلامة works for anyone. الله معك adds a personal, caring touch, often used with someone heading on a trip.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Both are polite and suitable with elders, guests and colleagues.
Is it said differently in some regions?
These phrases are shared across the Gulf and the wider Arab world.
How does it change in a sentence?
الله معك changes with gender, becoming الله معاك or الله معاكي depending on local pronunciation.
How do you pronounce it?
مع السلامة is said 'ma'a es-sa-LA-ma', with stress on the third syllable.
Did you know?
- مع السلامة and its blessing الله معك both draw on the same root for 'peace, safety' found throughout Arabic greetings and farewells.
Examples in context
- مع السلامة، نشوفكم قريب.ma'a al-salama, nashofkom 'areeb.Goodbye, we'll see you soon.
- الله معك في سفرتك.Allah ma'ak fi safartak.God be with you on your trip.
- مع السلامة يا جماعة.ma'a al-salama ya jama'a.Goodbye everyone.
Example conversation
Hamda says farewell to her cousin Yousif, who is heading to the airport.
- Hamdaمع السلامة، كلمني لما توصل.ma'a al-salama, kallimni lamma tosal.Goodbye, call me when you arrive.
- Yousifإن شاء الله، الله معاكم.inshallah, Allah ma'akom.God willing, God be with you all.
- Hamdaسفرة سعيدة، ولا تنسانا.safra sa'eeda, w la tansana.Safe travels, and don't forget us.
- Yousifمستحيل، مع السلامة.mustaheel, ma'a al-salama.Never, goodbye.
