KHDA: Arabic Language Compulsory Until The Age Of 6 In Dubai Private Schools
Today, the KHDA has unveiled an initiative to make Arabic language learning compulsory in all private schools and early childhood centres in Dubai, starting from birth up to six years old. This move, announced on International Mother Language Day, is set to integrate Arabic education within the curriculum across Dubai's diverse educational institutions, encompassing UK, US, Indian, and IB curriculums.
Currently, the mandate for Arabic education in Dubai's private schools begins from Year 2/Grade 1, for children aged seven, and continues until Year 10/Grade 9, when students reach the age of 15. This requirement is in place for schools following the UK curriculum and IB programmes from Years 1-13. However, with the new policy, children from birth will be introduced to the Arabic language, marking a significant shift in the educational landscape.
This policy change stems from the directive of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, aiming to keep the Arabic language central to the UAE's educational ethos. The phased implementation of this new policy will commence in September 2025 for children aged four to six, eventually encompassing all children up to six years. By April 2026, the policy will also include schools that start their academic year in April, such as those following the Indian curriculum.
The rollout of this new Arabic education policy will occur in stages. The initial phase in September 2025 targets children aged four to six years, progressively extending to all children from birth to six years. This expansion will follow through two additional phases, eventually covering children from birth to three years old, ensuring a comprehensive inclusion of Arabic education from the earliest stages of learning.
To effectively embed Arabic learning in the early years, the KHDA encourages nurseries and schools to adopt a practical and engaging approach. From September 2025, educational settings must offer Arabic classes catering to both native and non-native speakers, involve qualified Arabic teachers for at least one-third of a child's learning time, and provide resources to help parents support their child's Arabic journey at home. Moreover, schools and nurseries will have three academic years from their starting date to ensure their staff meet the required qualifications to teach Arabic from birth to six years.
Fatma Belrehif, CEO of the Education Quality Assurance Agency at KHDA, emphasized the significance of integrating Arabic from an early age, stating, "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." She added, "This policy will help nurture confident, bilingual global citizens who carry the pride of their heritage while being prepared for the global community."
The KHDA's initiative is part of the broader Loughat Al Daad program, under Dubai's Education 33 strategy. This strategy aims to enhance Arabic language skills and deepen students' connection with the UAE's rich culture and heritage. Additionally, the KHDA has updated requirements for teaching national mandatory subjects, including Arabic, from Year 2/Grade 1 to Year 13/Grade 12, reflecting a commitment to reinforcing the Arabic language's role in education.
The introduction of Arabic language learning from birth marks a significant update within Dubai's Education 33 strategy, which was unveiled in October 2024. The strategy outlines goals such as creating 49,900 new affordable school places and achieving a 90% rating of Good or better for student wellbeing in Dubai schools. This initiative reflects the KHDA's commitment to fostering a deep connection to the Arabic language and culture from an early stage, preparing students to be well-rounded individuals who respect and understand the world around them.
The KHDA's new policy on Arabic education signifies a pivotal shift towards integrating the Arabic language into the fabric of Dubai's educational system from the earliest years. By fostering a love for Arabic among children of all backgrounds, Dubai aims to nurture bilingual global citizens deeply connected to the cultural identity of the UAE.
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