Dubai: Arabic language learning made compulsory at all private schools

Dubai: The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai has introduced a new policy mandating Arabic language education for children from birth to six years at all private schools and early childhood centres in Dubai.

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, KHDA said today.

The policy is designed to provide children with the opportunity to develop Arabic language skills from an early age, making Arabic learning both fun and culturally enriching.

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 instill 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. Adequate support

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.

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.

More information about the Policy on Arabic Language Provision in Early Childhood Education is available on the KHDA website.

Updates to the requirements for national mandatory subjects – Arabic, Islamic Education, Social Studies, and Moral Education are also available on the KHDA website.