Boosting Identity: Abu Dhabi Ensures Early Arabic Fluency for Kids

Post by : Anish

Abu Dhabi is taking a significant stride towards strengthening its linguistic heritage and cultural identity with a new policy mandating early Arabic language instruction for all kindergarten students. The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has announced that starting from the 2025-2026 academic year, all private and educational partnership schools in the emirate will be required to dedicate four hours (240 minutes) per week to Arabic language instruction for children in early childhood education, from nursery (pre-KG) to KG2. This commitment is set to increase to five hours (300 minutes) weekly starting in the 2026-2027 academic year.

This pioneering initiative is rooted in extensive research indicating that early childhood is the most effective period for language acquisition. Mariam Al Hallami, Executive Director of Early Education at ADEK, emphasized that the policy transcends mere curriculum metrics. "This is about more than just adding Arabic lessons," she stated. "It's about giving every child in Abu Dhabi the gift of language, identity, and connection starting from day one. We want Arabic to feel natural, interactive, and alive in every classroom and every home."

ADEK's recent surveys revealed that while Arabic is frequently spoken at home, many children still lack the confidence to use it fluently. The new policy aims to bridge this gap by ensuring consistent, high-quality instruction through immersive and engaging methods. To cater to the diverse student population, the program will follow two dedicated learning tracks: one designed to deepen fluency and mastery for native Arabic speakers, and another tailored for non-native speakers and newcomers to develop strong foundational language skills.

The instruction will be delivered through interactive, age-appropriate techniques, including play-based learning, storytelling, music, songs, and hands-on exploration. Specially trained teachers and modern resources will support students' learning journeys. Crucially, the policy also emphasizes the pivotal role of parents, encouraging schools to provide tools and updates that facilitate family involvement, whether through practicing new words at home, reading stories together, or participating in Arabic-themed school events.

This initiative also serves to harmonize Arabic instruction between nurseries, currently regulated under ADEK's Early Education Institutions (EEI) policies, and Cycle 1 education, which is governed by the Ministry of Education. By standardizing Arabic exposure across all early education providers, Abu Dhabi aims to build robust language skills, foster cultural belonging, and ensure that children are well-prepared as they transition to formal schooling. This proactive step aligns with a broader national effort across the UAE to revitalize Arabic language learning from birth to school age, ensuring the language remains a vibrant and integral part of the nation's identity for future generations.

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