Abu Dhabi Makes Arabic Lessons Mandatory in Nursery & KG

Big changes are coming to early education in Abu Dhabi — and they speak Arabic! The Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) just rolled out a new policy that will require nurseries and kindergartens in private and education partnership schools to dedicate four hours per week to Arabic lessons starting in the 2025–2026 school year.

But wait — there's more! That weekly time jumps to five hours by 2026–2027, as part of a long-term push to strengthen Arabic fluency and cultural identity from an early age.

Why the Focus on Arabic Now?

ADEK says it’s all backed by science. The younger the learner, the easier it is to absorb a new language — and Arabic is more than just vocabulary and grammar. It’s tied to identity, culture, and storytelling that defines the region.

“This is about more than just adding Arabic lessons,” said Mariam Al Hallami, Executive Director of Early Education at ADEK.

“It’s about giving every child in Abu Dhabi the gift of language, identity, and connection starting from day one.”

ADEK’s surveys show a surprising trend: even kids who speak Arabic at home often lack confidence in using it, especially in structured settings. The goal? Boost that confidence early by immersing all children — native speakers or not — in consistent, meaningful Arabic instruction.

Two Tracks, One Goal: A Stronger Bond with Arabic

To make sure every child learns at their own pace, ADEK is introducing two learning tracks:

• Native Speakers: Deepen vocabulary, comprehension, and cultural fluency
• Non-Native Speakers: Build the basics with a solid, playful foundation

The teaching approach? Think songs, storytelling, role-play, and interactive activities — designed to make Arabic engaging and accessible. Schools will also involve families, sharing tools, updates, and themed activities to keep the learning going at home.

More Than Just a Lesson Plan

This initiative bridges the gap between current nursery policies and the Ministry of Education’s Cycle 1 Arabic curriculum. With trained teachers, updated learning materials, and family-school collaboration, the program is designed to nurture a lifelong connection to the Arabic language from the very first classroom experience.

So whether your child is babbling their first words or already reciting rhymes, Abu Dhabi is making sure Arabic is part of their everyday world — in school, at home, and in the heart.