Abu Dhabi makes Arabic lessons mandatory for nursery, KG students

In a move to nurture language, identity, and belonging from the very first years of learning, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has announced a new policy that will bring Arabic into every private and charter kindergarten across the emirate, starting from Pre-KG to KG2, beginning Fall 2025.

Beyond literacy, it’s about anchoring the next generation in their linguistic roots and establishing a strong foundation in the mother tongue from the very start.

Under the new ADEK School KG Arabic Curriculum Policy, All young learners will receive 240 minutes per week of structured, age-appropriate Arabic instruction. This will increase to 300 minutes per week beginning in the 2026/27 academic year. The new policy ensures that every child, whether a native speaker or learning Arabic for the first time, receives consistent, high-quality instruction during the most critical phase of language development and has the opportunity to grow up confident in the language that connects them to their culture, community, and future.

Why now? Because research is clear: children learn languages best when they’re young and Arabic is not just a subject. It’s a bridge to identity, values, and stories that shape who we are. ADEK’s recent survey showed that while Arabic is widely spoken at home, many children still struggle to use it confidently. This policy bridges that gap with schools and families working together to keep Arabic alive and thriving.

Learning will be engaging, built around play, storytelling, songs, and exploration. The policy outlines two tracks: one designed to deepen mother tongue skills for native Arabic speakers, and another tailored for non-native speakers and newcomers. This will ensure that each child is supported at their level, whether native speaker or beginner. And with specially trained teachers, modern materials, and exciting classroom activities, Arabic will become a language students look forward to using every day.

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

This new policy bridges the gap between Arabic learning in nurseries, implemented through ADEK’s Early Education Institutions (EEI) policies, and the start of mandatory Arabic instruction in Cycle 1 in line with Ministry of Education requirements, supporting steady language development during the early years.

Parents are also a big part of the journey. Schools will share tools and updates so families can join in the fun, whether practicing new words at home, reading stories together, or taking part in Arabic-themed school events.

The new kindergarten Arabic curriculum is part of ADEK’s bigger vision: to make Arabic not just something children learn, but something they live.