arabacademy
There are a lot of good reasons people choose to learn Arabic. One of the more common reasons is because they either want to or are planning to travel to an Arabic-speaking country. There are numerous countries that speak Arabic. Each one offers a rich culture steeped in a long history. If you’ve been learning Arabic for the sake of traveling abroad, here are some of the best Arabic-speaking countries to consider for your itinerary:
Morocco’s location at the north shore of the African continent provides visitors a blend of rich, African history and modern Western conveniences and comforts. It has a diverse landscape that includes a relaxing coastline, rugged mountains and the mighty desert. The country has ranked high when it comes to its cuisine, friendliness of its residents and its natural beauty.
While small in size, the country of Qatar wields great influence in the Middle East. In 2012, it was ranked as the world’s wealthiest country. Qatar has hosted many international sporting events from marathons, biking races, tennis competitions, and squash competitions. In 2020 it will be the first Middle Eastern country to host the FIFA World Cup, soccer’s premier tournament.
By far the most opulent and extravagant of the Arabic-speaking countries, the United Arab Emirates is a popular tourist destination, thanks to numerous “world’s largest…” or “world’s best…” architectural wonders including the “world’s largest mall,” the “world’s tallest building” and even the world’s “largest indoor ski resort.” Whether you explore Dubai or the capital city of Abu Dhabi, you’ll find yourself surrounded by luxury boutique shops, fine dining restaurants, private islands, bays and harbors dotted with luxury yachts, high-rise penthouses and plenty of one-of-a kind thrill-seeking activities such as rooftop tennis and bungee-jumping off skyscrapers.
The small country of Oman is strategically located on the north side of the Arabian Peninsula, along the mouth of the Persian Gulf. It has been ranked as one of best Middle Eastern countries to visit, one of the best countries for surfing, and one of the countries with the lowest murder rate. Oman also has universal healthcare with a healthcare system that ranks among the top 50 in the world. Oman is also a popular destination for expats to retire.
Jordan lies between the African and Asian continents in an area called the “fertile crescent”. It has a diverse geography of forests, mountains, and deserts. It has multiple nature preserves, and is home to more than 2000 plant species and a variety of animal and reptile species. Jordan has one of the best police forces in the Middle East, and is one of the top medical tourism destinations. There's emerging nightlife in major cities with bars, numerous outdoor recreation including hiking and rock climbing, and many historical sites from the Christian and Muslim faiths. Al-Khazneh mausoleum in Petra is top tourist attraction.
When it comes to Middle Eastern countries that speak Arabic, Egypt is often the first to come to mind and for good reason. The many pyramids, statues and other historical ruins of some of the earliest human civilizations are deemed as many of the “wonders of the world.” With historical sites aside, Egypt, particularly Northern Egypt and Alexandra, the country offers numerous diverse neighborhoods and an interesting blend of ancient cultural traditions and modern luxury.
Lebanon is a tourist’s dream come true with a variety of activities and entertainment options available. From lounging on the country’s many beaches to hiking its mountains to visiting its many historical sites to enjoying the country’s growing nightlife scene, there is something for everyone in Lebanon. Additionally, Lebanon is one of the more liberal of the Arabic-speaking countries with a free press, religious diversity and women’s rights.
These Arabic-speaking countries are all great to visit and offer a little something different. It is important to note that while they all speak Arabic, the dialect of Arabic is slightly different between countries. At Arab Academy, we teach multiple forms of Arabic including Egyptian Arabic. It is highly encouraged you research the specific style of Arabic spoken in the country you plan to visit. If you’re wanting to learn Arabic, contact us at Arab Academy today to learn more.
