‘From birth to 6 years': Dubai announces new policy for Arabic education at all private schools
Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has introduced a new policy aimed at enhancing Arabic language education in early childhood education, the authority announced on Friday.
The new policy mandates Arabic language education for children from birth to six years at all private schools and early childhood centres in Dubai. This initiative aims to strengthen the use of Arabic language in schools and society, helping to foster a sense of pride in Emirati culture, language, and heritage.
Changes will come into effect from September 2025 for schools that start their academic year in September, and April 2026 for schools that start their academic year in April. The policy will be phased in from September 2025, with phase one covering Arabic language education for children aged four to six years. More phases will be rolled out in the coming years and cover all children from birth to six years.
Play-based, inquiry-driven approach
According to KHDA, 'the new policy encourages a play-based, inquiry-driven approach to Arabic teaching in early years, and requires schools and early childhood centres to offer a variety of language learning models to suit the needs of both native and non-native Arabic speakers.
'At least one-third of children's instructional time must include the presence of an Arabic teacher to engage children in interactive and culturally relevant activities.
Schools and early childhood centres must also ensure that Arabic teachers have the right qualifications and are supported with professional development to enhance their skills,' KHDA added.
KHDA advised 'parents must also be encouraged to support their children's language development, both at school and at home, through resources and strategies that foster Arabic language learning in everyday life.'
'Language of Daad'
Enhancing Arabic language teaching in early childhood education is part of Loughat Al Daad, one of the 28 game changers under Dubai's Education 33 strategy.
'Daad is a letter and sound unique to the Arabic language, and Loughat Al Daad translates to: 'the language of Daad'. Initiatives announced under Loughat Al Daad are aimed at strengthening Arabic language acquisition and nurturing deeper understanding of UAE culture and heritage,' KHDA underscored.
'Arabic is at the heart of the UAE's cultural identity, and it is essential that we instil a love for the language in all our children from the earliest stages of their education. By embedding Arabic language learning in early childhood, we ensure that all children – including Emirati, Arab, and non-native speakers – can immerse themselves in the language and culture of the UAE,' said Fatma Belrehif, CEO of the Education Quality Assurance Agency at KHDA.
'Our goal is not only for Emirati and Arabic speaking children to embrace the language as their mother tongue, but for non-native speakers to also experience the richness of the UAE's culture and rich heritage from an early age. This will help them develop a strong connection to the country they are living in as they grow into well-rounded individuals who understand and respect the world around them,' she added.
Updates in mandatory subjects
Meanwhile, KHDA has also updated the requirements for teaching national mandatory subjects, including Arabic, Islamic Education, Social Studies, and Moral Education from Grade 1/Year 2 to Grade 12/Year 13 in Dubai private schools.
Updates include increased instructional time and changes in the language of instruction for Islamic Education, Social Studies, and Arabic for Arab students, and updates on UAE Social, Moral, and Cultural Studies for non-Arab students.
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