Decide which dialect you would like to learn. There is Modern Standard Arabic, which is the most commonly spoken dialect and is used in newspapers, books, magazines and on television. There are specific dialects for different Arab-speaking countries, like Egyptian Arabic and Moroccan Arabic. These are useful if you are learning for a specific friend or family member that is from a certain country, but it is usually your best bet to learn the standard dialect.
Obtain a book about Arabic language learning and read through it to get a feel for the language before you dive in. These books are usually written in both English and Arabic, so the script won't scare you off.
Begin studying the Arabic script. It is very different than the Western languages and can be tough to get used to. Learning how to pronounce the different letters will be very beneficial once you start speaking the words.
Buy an Arabic-English dictionary. These are usually inexpensive and can be a lifesaver if you are in an Arabic-speaking country and want to quickly know how to say something or what a sign says. Practice saying common words in the dictionary to get used to speaking; this will prepare you for common conversations.
Build a basic vocabulary of the most common words. Learning how to properly say common words will help you with the more difficult ones down the road.
Find an Arabic speaking partner. You can find one by posting an online ad or by going to a local university and speaking with a professor there. Regularly speaking the language with someone who speaks it fluently is the only way to really learn it well and it is especially helpful if the person is also fluent in English and can give you good, constructive criticism.
Download Arabic audio and listen to it. Put it on your iPod or make a compact disc and listen to it while you're walking around, working around the house or driving. Getting used to hearing the language is vital. Many websites offer Arabic audio or you can find podcasts designed specifically for English speakers that want to learn Arabic.