عندي حجز باسم...

You start with عندي (Indi), which means 'I have.' Then you add حجز (Hajz) for 'reservation.' Finally, باسم (Bi-ism) means 'in the name of.' Just drop your name at the end. For example: عندي حجز باسم سارة. It is like a verbal ID card. You don't need complex grammar here. Just say it clearly and wait for the smile. If they look confused, just point at your phone screen!

Use this the moment you walk into a hotel lobby. It is perfect for that fancy restaurant you booked weeks ago. Use it at the car rental desk at the airport. You can even use it for a doctor's appointment or a spa. If you are checking into a flight at the counter, it works there too. It is the universal 'I am expected' signal. It saves you from awkward long explanations in a foreign language.

Don't use this if you are just walking in off the street. If you don't have a booking, this phrase will cause a frantic search for a name that isn't there. Avoid using it for social gatherings at a friend's house. You don't 'reserve' a spot on a friend's couch! Also, don't use it for public transport like a city bus. It is strictly for services where a list of names is kept.

In many Arab cultures, hospitality is a sacred duty. When you say you have a reservation, you are transitioning from a stranger to a guest. The staff will often shift their tone to be even more welcoming. Historically, 'names' carry a lot of weight in the Middle East. Being 'on the list' means you are part of the plan. It reflects the modern shift toward organized tourism and dining in cities like Dubai, Cairo, or Riyadh.

You might hear حجزت باسم (Hajaztu bi-ism), which means 'I reserved in the name of.' In some Gulf countries, they might just ask في حجز؟ (Is there a reservation?). If you are with a group, you can say عندنا حجز (Indina hajz) for 'We have a reservation.' If you want to be extra polite, add لو سمحت (Law samaht) at the end. It means 'if you please' and opens even more doors.