logo
Dubai Announces Mandatory Arabic Lessons For Children Under 6 At Private Schools

Dubai Announces Mandatory Arabic Lessons For Children Under 6 At Private Schools

Gulf Insider22-02-2025

Dubai has introduced new rules making Arabic education mandatory for children under six at private schools and education centres.
Under the directive of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Crown Prince and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, and on the occasion of International Mother Language Day, Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has introduced the new policy aimed at enhancing Arabic language education in early childhood education.
The policy is designed to provide children with the opportunity to develop their Arabic language skills from an early age, making Arabic learning both fun and culturally enriching.
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.
The policy 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 aim to strengthen Arabic language acquisition and nurture a deeper understanding of UAE culture and heritage.
Fatma Belrehif, CEO of the Education Quality Assurance Agency at KHDA said: '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.
'This policy will help nurture confident, bilingual global citizens who carry the pride of their heritage while being prepared for the global community.
'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.'
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.
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.
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.
Additionally, KHDA has also updated the requirements for the teaching of 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.
These 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.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

UAE Exempts 222 Citizens From $39mn in Debts
UAE Exempts 222 Citizens From $39mn in Debts

Gulf Insider

time4 days ago

  • Gulf Insider

UAE Exempts 222 Citizens From $39mn in Debts

The UAE's Defaulted Debts Settlement Fund has exempted 222 citizens from debts totalling more than AED 139.879 million, following directives from President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The initiative, which operates under the supervision of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, targets retirees and social support categories. The Fund cleared debts exceeding AED 86.476 million for 132 retirees, whilst exempting 90 citizens under the social support category from debts totalling more than AED 53.403 million. 'The initiative reflects the wise leadership's vision to ease the lives of citizens and ensure them a dignified and stable standard of living,' the Emirates News Agency (WAM) said in a statement. The programme contributes to social development by alleviating financial burdens, supporting retirees and social support beneficiaries, and fostering family stability, according to the statement. The initiative aligns with the UAE's national strategy for sustainable development and demonstrates commitment to social cohesion and prosperity, with attention focused on those who served the country and the community's most vulnerable members. The Fund emphasised that the programme embodies President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's commitment to alleviating financial burdens on citizens. It highlights his vision to ensure a dignified life for Emiratis, promote their well-being, strengthen family and community stability, and uphold the values of cohesion and solidarity that characterise Emirati society. The debt relief initiative supports financial and social stability across the UAE, targeting citizens who require assistance to maintain their standard of living. Also read: UAE Eid Al Adha Weather Forecast: Rain and Humidity Expected

EDGE signs $2.45bn naval contract with Kuwait
EDGE signs $2.45bn naval contract with Kuwait

Trade Arabia

time5 days ago

  • Trade Arabia

EDGE signs $2.45bn naval contract with Kuwait

EDGE, one of the world's leading advanced technology and defence groups, has signed a AED9 billion ($2.45 billion) defence contract with the Kuwait Ministry of Defence for the supply of Falaj3 62-metre missile boats. This contract marks the largest naval shipbuilding export in the region and ranks among the highest-value naval export deals globally. As the prime contractor, EDGE will lead the programme which includes the design, construction, trials, and delivery of the vessels, in addition to Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) and In-Service Support (ISS). EDGE will also provide the ammunition for the vessels, further demonstrating its end-to-end capability offering. Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), EDGE Group's naval arm and the UAE's leading shipbuilder, has been selected as the build subcontractor for the programme. Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO, EDGE, said: 'This agreement with Kuwait is hugely significant both in scale and strategic importance. It deepens long-term defence ties between our nations, brings a proven class of advanced vessels into regional service, and reinforces EDGE's position as a trusted international partner. It also reflects the pace of industrial and engineering progress we've achieved in just a few years, and our ability to design, build, and deliver complex naval platforms at scale. As we enter a new phase of export-led growth, this programme marks a clear signal of global confidence in what EDGE can deliver.' The Falaj 3-class missile boat has also been selected by the UAE Navy, with the first vessel, Altaf, formally commissioned into service in February 2025. This operational deployment reflects the vessel's proven capability and performance in regional waters. With the latest agreement, these advanced 62-metre vessels are tailored to meet Kuwait's operational requirements, offering high performance, advanced combat systems, and enhanced capabilities for littoral defence operations.

Egypt unveils plan for new desert city in latest megaproject
Egypt unveils plan for new desert city in latest megaproject

Daily Tribune

time02-06-2025

  • Daily Tribune

Egypt unveils plan for new desert city in latest megaproject

TDT | Cairo Egypt yesterday unveiled plans for a vast new urban development west of Cairo where a manmade channel of the River Nile will eventually wind through what was once arid desert. The new city, named Jirian meaning 'Flow' in Arabic, is part of Egypt's Nile Delta scheme, a massive agricultural initiative aiming to reclaim about 2.5 million acres west of the original Nile Delta. The ambitious agricultural project, which started in 2021, seeks to boost production of strategic crops such as wheat and corn while reducing the North African country's food import bill. The project is the latest in a string of megaprojects launched by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in recent years, including a new administrative capital east of Cairo.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store