Dubai Makes Arabic Lessons Mandatory for Children Under Six in Private Schools

Dubai established a policy which compels all private schools together with early childhood centers to teach Arabic education to children under six as a mandatory requirement. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) through its Dubai’s Education 33 strategy operates The Loughat Al Daad program which the initiative supports.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum directed this decision to create captivating Arabic teaching programs for native and non-native speakers. International Mother Language Day introduced the policy which aims to spark love toward Arabic alongside Emirati cultural heritage in children’s hearts.

The educational management of Arabic language instruction within Dubai’s schools will be the main focus of strategy 33.
Beginning in September 2025 the initial aspect of this policy will apply to students aged four to six before an expansion includes children from birth to six years. The instructional schedule of schools needs to allocate minimum three months to Arabic education through interactive approaches that draw from cultural resources. Continuing professional development will be provided to qualified Arabic teachers for enhancing teaching quality.

According to KHDA’s Education Quality Assurance Agency CEO Fatma Belrehif the new policy will develop citizens who understand two languages and maintain strong UAE cultural ties. Through this policy parents receive support for Arabic home learning which helps children develop their language abilities even more.

The Education Quality Assurance Agency under KHDA made changes to the necessary subject requirements that extend from Grade 1 to 12 for Arabic Islamic Education Social Studies and Moral Education. The new policies will become active for September 2025 with September-based schools while April-based institutions will implement them from April 2026.