Borg El Arab is functionally a transit and business hub rather than a tourist destination, so phrase needs are practical: airport counters, taxi haggling, hotel check-ins, and quick courtesies. Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) is understood at counters and signage, while the local variety spoken in Alexandria is a coastal Egyptian Arabic dialect that drops many MSA vowels and is widely used by drivers and service staff.
Most signage at Borg El Arab International Airport is bilingual Arabic–English, and airport and hotel staff routinely work in English. A small set of Arabic greetings and transaction phrases, however, earns goodwill and speeds up informal interactions such as fixing a fare, asking for directions in the industrial zone, or ordering at a casual restaurant.
Use as-salaam alaikum with anyone; wa alaikum as-salaam is the reply. shukran (thank you) and afwan (you're welcome / no need) cover most polite moments. In the airport hotels, a brief salaam at reception sets the right tone before switching to English.
Core
Have tadhkira (passport), ta'wiir al-jawaz (passport renewal), and tawtheeq (visa/stamp) ready. Say hada al-matar? to confirm the airport. For baggage: amkina / hawa'ij. Customs may ask 'shay' li-t-tasdeeq?' (anything to declare).
Arrival
Taksi is universal; agree a fare first with kâm hatha? / fa-bkâm ila-l-iskandariyya? Always carry your hotel card in Arabic. Useful question: ayna Borg El Arab? To Alexandria core (~40 km), expect 45–75 min depending on traffic.
Transit
Reception: hana juddan (very happy / glad to be here), wiqâya (reservation), and fatoura (invoice). Conservative dress and business-formal attire are expected in the industrial zone; greet with salaam before discussing documents or pricing.
Work
Ask al-menu, min fadh-lak (please). Staples: kushari, ful wa ta'amiya, sayadeya, and mahshi. Say la-l-lahm if you need a vegetarian option. At end: al-hisaab, min fadh-lak. Tea is shay; coffee ahwa / qahwa.
Dining
For police: al-shurta. For medical help: mustashfa or musa'id. 'is'aaduni' (help me) draws attention. Pharmacies say saydaliyya and are widely stocked. Carry hotel address in Arabic for taxi return from hospitals or police stations.
Safety