11 ways to wish someone a Happy New Year in Arabic

Greetings to share with friends and families when the clock strikes midnight

Abu Dhabi's Yas Bay Waterfront will be one of the places where you can see New Year’s Eve fireworks on December 31. Victor Besa / The National

As we get closer to New Year's Eve, it's time for a refresher on seasonal greetings that can be delivered in person, through text messages or e-cards.

Fortunately, the Arabic language is rich and varied enough to encompass diverse phrases focusing on everything from good cheer to family and business dealings. These expressions also provide insight into the character of the region, where spirituality and family are at the core of everyday life.

Here are 11 Arabic greetings you can use to wish someone a Happy New Year.

1. Kullu aa’min wa antum bikhair

Translated to “wishing you blessings throughout the year,” “kullu aa’min wa antum bikhair” is the most common phrase used when the clock ticks past midnight. The reply here is “wa antum bikhair”, which means “may you also be blessed”.

2. Kol sana wa anta tayeb

You don’t get a more Egyptian salutation than this.

Essentially meaning: “happy birthday to you,” the term is wonderfully malleable and can be used in most instances when you want to congratulate or wish someone all the best. Like many Arabic greetings, the reply is often repeating the last two words of the saying. In this case, it's “wa enta tayeb”, which basically means “and to you as well”.

People watch fireworks explode around the Burj Khalifa during New Year's celebrations in Dubai. Reuters

3. Sana helwa

Meaning “sweet year”, it is a favourite Egyptian phrase adaptable to many occasions.

The word helwa, meaning sweet, or its variant helou, is used to express pleasant and happy emotions. Since it's a greeting that doesn't have classical Arabic or religious connotations, it is viewed as one of the more casual greetings that can also be used to commemorate birthdays or anniversaries.

4. Ahlan bil sana al jadeeda

Rooted in the Arab world's vaunted tradition of hospitality, the expression literally translates to “welcome to the new year”. It also begins with ahlan, one of the most common everyday Arabic salutations, which derives from the root word ahl, meaning family. Altogether, it's a family-friendly welcome befitting the communal nature of the celebrations.

5. Sanat khair wa barakat

A lilting greeting with subtle spiritual dimensions, it translates to “a year of goodness and blessings”. The key words here are khair (goodness), an expansive term covering all aspects of life, and barakat, which hopes you are bestowed with divinely inspired favours and spiritual growth.

6. Ayyamukum sa'eeda

Short and sweet, this is a warm and welcome meaning, “May your days be happy.” While often heard during Eid, it is versatile enough to be used in most festive social gatherings, such as New Year’s Eve, birthdays and weddings.

7. Ya rab tkoun sanat khair

Meaning, “Oh Lord, may it be a year of goodness,” this is a heartfelt greeting fit for our challenging times. Also functioning as an emotive prayer, it is a weighty salutation that ultimately hopes for not just a better year, but one where we are also mindful enough to understand its blessings. A classic reply would simply be “insha'Allah,” meaning “if God wishes”.

Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival drone and fireworks New Year’s Eve display held at Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

8. Sana sa’eeda

Meaning “happy year”, this is a straightforward Arabic greeting suited to any New Year’s Eve occasion. It is used widely in cards and official corporate messages, and also works naturally in everyday texts as the year turns.

9. Sana mubaraka

Translated as “a blessed year”, this carries a gentle spiritual tone and is commonly exchanged among families and close friends.

10. Kul sana ta‘ayadoon bil farah

Meaning “may you celebrate every year with joy”, this is a warm, well-wishing Levantine phrase that leans into the celebratory mood of the occasion. It focuses less on the timing itself and more on wishing you continued joy throughout the years.

11. Bil sihha wal raha

Meaning “with health and comfort”, this phrase is commonly used in the Maghreb. It is usually added as an add-on to standard New Year greetings or as a reply.