Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has unveiled a new directive mandating Arabic instruction across all private and charter kindergartens in the emirate, effective from Pre-KG to KG2, starting in Fall 2025. This initiative aims not only to enhance literacy but also to firmly root the next generation in their linguistic heritage from the outset.
According to Emirates News Agency, the ADEK School KG Arabic Curriculum Policy will require all young learners to receive 240 minutes per week of structured, age-appropriate Arabic instruction. This requirement will increase to 300 minutes per week starting in the 2026/27 academic year, ensuring comprehensive language development during this crucial stage.
The policy guarantees that every child, regardless of whether they are native speakers or new to the language, will receive consistent and high-quality Arabic instruction. This opportunity allows them to grow confident in a language that connects them to their culture, community, and future.
This initiative is supported by research indicating that young children are most effective at language acquisition early in life. Arabic serves as more than just a subject; it is a vital link to identity, values, and heritage.
ADEK's recent survey revealed that while Arabic is widely spoken at home, many children face challenges in using it confidently. This policy seeks to bridge that gap by encouraging collaboration between schools and families to keep the Arabic language vibrant and thriving.
The Arabic curriculum will be engaging, incorporating play, storytelling, songs, and exploration. It includes two tracks: one to enhance skills for native Arabic speakers and another tailored for non-native speakers and newcomers, ensuring all children receive support appropriate to their proficiency level. With specially trained teachers, modern materials, and dynamic classroom activities, Arabic will become a language students eagerly use daily.
Mariam Al Hallami, Executive Director of Early Education, emphasized, "This is about more than just adding Arabic lessons. 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."
The policy aligns Arabic learning in nurseries with ADEK's Early Education Institutions (EEI) policies and the mandatory Arabic instruction in Cycle 1 per Ministry of Education requirements, promoting steady language development during the formative years.
Parents play a crucial role in this journey. Schools will provide tools and updates, enabling families to participate actively, whether practicing new words at home, reading stories together, or engaging in Arabic-themed school events.
This new kindergarten Arabic curriculum is part of ADEK's broader vision: to make Arabic not just a subject to be learned but an integral part of children's daily lives.