Dubai Mandates Arabic Lessons from Nursery Onward

Dubai Introduces New Education Policy: Arabic Lessons Begin at Nursery

Dubai has once again made a significant decision in the field of education that affects not only the local community but the entire city. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) announced that from September 2025, all private schools and early childhood education centers will be required to teach Arabic to children from birth until the age of six. This new initiative aims to strengthen the use of the Arabic language in schools and society and to foster a sense of pride in Emirati culture, language, and heritage.

Timing and Phases of the Changes

The new system will be implemented gradually. The first phase begins in September 2025, targeting the four- to six-year-old age group. In further phases, the education will be extended to cover the period from birth to six years. Schools beginning the academic year in April must apply the new rules from April 2026. This step targets not only Emirati children but also non-native Arabic speaking students, ensuring that all can form a deeper connection with the Arabic language and culture.

Play-based, Inquiry-driven Methodology

The KHDA emphasizes that the new policy favors a play-based, inquiry-driven methodology for teaching Arabic. This means schools and nurseries must adapt flexibly to the needs of students, whether they are native or non-native Arabic speakers. Arabic teachers must participate in at least one-third of the lessons, facilitating children's language development through interactive and culturally relevant activities.

Additionally, schools must ensure that Arabic teachers hold appropriate qualifications and have access to continuous professional development opportunities. Parents are also involved in the process: according to the KHDA, it is important that families support their children's language development at home through Arabic resources and strategies.

Significance of the "Language of Daad"

The new policy is part of the Loughat Al Daad (Language of Daad) initiative, one of 28 pioneering projects under the Dubai Education 33 strategy. "Daad" is a letter and sound unique to the Arabic language, and the initiative aims to foster a deeper understanding and love for the Arabic language and UAE culture. According to the KHDA, the Arabic language is a central element of the UAE's cultural identity, and it is essential to introduce it to children in their earliest years.

The director general of the KHDA's education quality assurance agency highlighted: "The Arabic language is at the heart of the UAE's cultural identity, and it is essential to foster a love for the language in all children during the earliest stages of education. By embedding Arabic language learning in early childhood education, we ensure that all children—be they Emirati, Arabic, or non-native speakers—can immerse themselves in the UAE's language and culture."

Updates to National Mandatory Subjects

The KHDA has also updated the educational requirements for national mandatory subjects, which include Arabic language, Islamic education, social studies, and moral education. These changes will apply from Grade 1 to Grade 12 in Dubai's private schools. The updates include increasing educational time in these subjects and altering the language of instruction for Islamic education, social studies, and Arabic subjects for Arabic students. For non-Arabic students, updates have been introduced in UAE social, moral, and cultural studies.

Summary

Dubai's new educational policy not only strengthens the teaching of the Arabic language but also promotes the preservation and dissemination of cultural heritage throughout society. Through the play-based, interactive methodology and parental involvement, children can establish a deep connection with the Arabic language and culture from their earliest years. This move offers opportunities for both Emirati children and the international community to better understand and appreciate the UAE's rich traditions.