Ways to say it
| Emirati Arabic | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| حياك الله | hayyak Allah | welcoming a guest |
| مرحبا | marhaba | more general |
حياك الله is the classic Gulf welcome, said by a host to a guest arriving at their home, office or even a shop. مرحبا is more general and heard everywhere, including from staff in hotels and malls.
What does it mean word for word?
حياك الله literally means 'may God grant you life', an old blessing turned everyday welcome. مرحبا simply means 'welcome'.
Which one should you use?
حياك الله carries a warmer, more personal tone, especially suited to welcoming someone into a home. مرحبا is neutral and used with any visitor.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Both are polite, حياك الله feels slightly more heartfelt and traditional.
Is it said differently in some regions?
حياك الله is one of the most recognisable Gulf hospitality phrases, strongly associated with Emirati and wider Gulf culture.
How does it change in a sentence?
حياك changes with gender, becoming حياچ or حياكي when welcoming a woman in casual Gulf speech.
How do you pronounce it?
The first sound in حياك is a breathy h made deep in the throat.
When do people say it?
Emirati hospitality traditionally involves serving Arabic coffee and dates to a guest right after they are welcomed with حياك الله.
Did you know?
- Serving Arabic coffee, قهوة, alongside dates is one of the oldest and most consistent hospitality customs across the Gulf, including the UAE.
Examples in context
- حياك الله في بيتنا.hayyak Allah fi baitna.Welcome to our home.
- مرحبا، اتفضل اقعد.marhaba, itfaddal ig'ad.Welcome, please sit down.
- حياكم الله جميعاً.hayyakom Allah jamee'an.Welcome to all of you.
Example conversation
Ahmad welcomes his friend Lucas, visiting Dubai for the first time, into his home.
- Ahmadحياك الله في دبي يا لوكاس.hayyak Allah fi Dubai ya Lucas.Welcome to Dubai, Lucas.
- Lucasشكراً، فرحان إني هنا أخيراً.shukran, farhan inni hena akheeran.Thank you, I'm happy to finally be here.
- Ahmadاتفضل، حضرنا لك قهوة وتمر.itfaddal, hadderna lak gahwa w tamr.Please, we've prepared coffee and dates for you.
- Lucasيعطيك العافية، هذا كرم كبير.yatik al-afya, hatha karam kabeer.Thank you for the effort, this is very generous.
