Dubai announces mandatory Arabic lessons for children under 6 at private schools
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.
Arabic lessons in Dubai
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.
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