Saudi Arabia has opened its doors to travelers like never before, from the ancient rock tombs of AlUla to the buzzing souks of Jeddah and the skyline of Riyadh. English will get you surprisingly far, but a handful of spoken Saudi Arabic phrases will transform your trip. Locals light up when a visitor tries even a few words, taxi rides get smoother, and prices in the souk often get friendlier. This guide gives you the exact phrases travelers actually use, grouped by the real situations you will face.
Start With These Greetings
Every interaction in Saudi Arabia begins with a greeting. Skipping it feels abrupt, so open with one of these and you will instantly set a warm tone.
السلام عليكم
As-salamu alaykum
Peace be upon you (hello)
The universal greeting. Works any time, anywhere.
هلا
Hala
Hi
Casual and friendly, used everywhere in Saudi.
شكراً
Shukran
Thank you
The single most useful word for a traveler.
لو سمحت
Law samaht
Please / excuse me
Use it to politely get someone's attention.
Traveling to Saudi Arabia soon? Our For Travelers page bundles the exact topics you need for a short trip into one fast-track learning path.
Taking a Taxi or Ride
Whether you flag a cab or use a ride app, a few words help you confirm the destination and the fare without confusion.
وديني إلى...
Waddini ila...
Take me to...
Add your destination: 'Waddini ila al-funduq' (Take me to the hotel).
بكم الأجرة؟
Bikam al-ujra?
How much is the fare?
Agree on the price before you set off.
وقف هنا لو سمحت
Wagif hina law samaht
Stop here please
Tell the driver exactly where to pull over.
على طول
Ala tool
Straight ahead
Handy when guiding the driver.
Want to practice a full taxi conversation before your trip? These interactive lessons drill the exact phrases with audio-style flashcards and quizzes.
Ordering Food and Coffee
Saudi food culture is unmissable, from kabsa and mandi to tiny cardamom-scented coffee cups. These phrases make ordering easy and show real appreciation.
أبغى أطلب
Abgha atlub
I want to order
'Abgha' (I want) is pure Saudi, friendlier than the textbook 'ureed'.
الحساب لو سمحت
Al-hisaab law samaht
The bill please
Ask for the check at any restaurant or cafe.
بدون سكر
Bidun sukkar
Without sugar
Useful for coffee and karak tea.
مرة لذيذ
Marrah ladhidh
Really delicious
'Marrah' means 'very' in Saudi speech. A great compliment.
Eating your way through the Kingdom? Master restaurant and cafe phrases with lessons built around real Saudi dining.
Shopping and Bargaining in the Souk
In traditional markets, a little Arabic and a little negotiation go hand in hand. These are the phrases that get you a fair price with a smile.
بكم هذا؟
Bikam hatha?
How much is this?
Your go-to question for any price.
غالي شوي
Ghali shway
A bit expensive
The polite opener to start bargaining.
آخر سعر؟
Akhir si'ir?
Best (final) price?
Signals you are ready to buy at the right number.
ممكن خصم؟
Mumkin khasm?
Can I get a discount?
Friendly and effective in the souk.
Bargaining in Saudi souks is expected and should stay friendly. Smile, greet the seller first, and never rush. A relaxed 'Akhir si'ir?' with a grin often works better than pushing hard.
Finding Your Way Around
Even with maps on your phone, you will sometimes need to ask a real person. These short questions get you pointed in the right direction fast.
وين...؟
Wayn...?
Where is...?
'Wayn al-hammam?' (Where is the bathroom?) is a lifesaver.
قريب من هنا؟
Gareeb min hina?
Is it near here?
Quickly gauge the distance.
يمين
Yameen
Right
Direction word for following or giving directions.
يسار
Yasaar
Left
Pair it with 'yameen' and 'ala tool' (straight).
Short on time before you fly? The For Travelers page lines up greetings, taxis, directions, food, and shopping in the order a visitor needs them, so you can prep in an afternoon.
Turn these phrases into travel-ready confidence with quick, practical Saudi Arabic lessons made for real trips.