Abu Dhabi’s education regulator is making Arabic a core part of early learning. Starting in the first semester of the 2025–2026 academic year, all private and educational partnership schools will be required to dedicate 240 minutes a week — or four hours — to Arabic language instruction for children in nursery through KG2.
The Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek) confirmed in a Khaleej Times report the policy on Monday, stressing that Arabic must be taught to all children, regardless of whether it is their mother tongue or a new language to them. By the 2026–2027 school year, weekly Arabic lessons will increase further to 300 minutes.
Adek emphasized the importance of introducing language education during the early years, citing research that shows young children learn new languages most effectively. But more than just an academic subject, Arabic is being positioned as a foundation for cultural connection.
“It’s a bridge to identity, values, and the cultural narratives that shape who we are,” Adek stated, underscoring the broader aim of the policy — to nurture not just linguistic ability, but a deep-rooted sense of belonging and heritage.