Arabic for a holiday upgrade...

The Middle Eastern Arabic speaking countries are fast becoming tourist hubs. In the past, destinations such as Doha in Qatar and Dubai in the UAE have been seen as places for business, but they are now attracting fun lovers. Speaking Arabic can make your vacation to Arabic speaking countries special, and achieve the feeling as if you have just been upgraded.

Tourists, whether entering Arabic speaking countries purely for pleasure, or on the back of an extended business trip, are made to feel very welcome by Arabs. Hospitality comes naturally to an Arab and is extended liberally, generously and lovingly, even more so when Arabic is spoken.

One of the biggest tourist attractions, particularly in Qatar and the UAE, must surely be the markets. The markets come to life when the scorching Middle Eastern sun goes down, and every human sense is nudged and woken up like never before. Spices and the smell of coffee often fill the air and locals sit and relax as the hustle and bustle flows around them.

Sitting down and taking in the atmosphere with locals, feels almost rude if you cannot speak Arabic. A few words here and there will help, but a full grasp of the language will open up a world of stories, fascinating people and a culture steeped in history. Blending in with language is something many tourists do not understand, but for those who take their travel seriously, language and speaking it is what makes the vacation a true vacation.

In the markets, haggling is a way of life. Locals haggle over bales of hay, next to feeding donkeys and maybe camels next door, to a market stall selling tourist trinkets and gifts. Nothing it seems has an actual price tag; everything is negotiable. Haggling in English is ok, but if you want to take it seriously, speaking the native Arabic will quite likely get you a better deal.

Many Arab nations are proud of their heritage, culture, and Muslim faith. These elements of the Arab world are perhaps what create the great mystery that seems to flow like smoke around the Arab world. Arab countries may well be small, but there is a lot of magical mystery that many tourists are hungry to discover, language opens up the possibilities.

Getting beyond the tourist hub is challenging. The hotels and amenities are designed to attract tourists and release an abundance of enjoyment and relaxation. However, there is more to an Arab country than luxury hotels. In true Lawrence of Arabia style, with language, you can begin to explore, and dare to go further. Camel rides in the desert are touristy, but getting to know those who own and keep the Camels, is something few tourists are able to do. Speaking Arabic changes the whole experience, respect is shown and your touristy thing again feels upgraded.

The Arab world beckons the tourists from all over the planet.  Speaking Arabic opens up a host of opportunities and possibilities that will turn an average vacation into something magical… who knows, if you speak Arabic you make be able to make a carpet fly!