Rahab Halawa and Muwafaq Muhammad
Private schools have begun updating their academic schedules and curriculums in compliance with the directive from the Ministry of Education, which mandates the inclusion of Arabic language instruction, Islamic education, and social concepts starting from preschool.
School administrations have reported that the preschool level will now include five classes each week, with one 40-minute session per day. This approach aims to instill the importance of the Arabic language and national values from an early age.
In Abu Dhabi, all private and partnership schools will implement five weekly sessions of Arabic language instruction and three sessions of Islamic education starting today. The social studies curriculum will be integrated with other subjects through daily educational activities both inside and outside the classroom.
These measures are part of the new educational policies released by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, aimed at enhancing early exposure to Arabic language and cultural understanding for children.
Practical Implementation
Dr. Marwa Ali Mahaya, head of the ministry materials department at Oxford School, confirmed that her institution has commenced adjustments to its schedules and plans to incorporate additional classes and extend learning time for Arabic, Islamic studies, and social concepts.
She explained that a time allocation has been established to ensure daily Arabic language classes in preschool, with five sessions weekly, along with 200 minutes dedicated to first-grade students and the introduction of support activities both inside and outside the classroom.
Additionally, schools are enhancing the educational environment through thematic displays and interactive initiatives that embed Arabic language and national values into students’ daily lives. Her school’s monitoring teams are closely overseeing the implementation process to ensure preparedness in terms of teaching staff, updated curricula, and revised plans.
Strengthening National Identity
Ahmed Thabet, chairman of the board at Al Ola Private School, stated that the school has launched comprehensive plans to support Arabic language learning, including extracurricular activities, cultural initiatives, and literary competitions, aiming to make the language a part of daily practices for students within classrooms and school grounds.
He emphasized that these plans extend beyond academics, focusing on integrating the Arabic language and national values into various school events.
Moreover, the board continuously monitors the execution of these initiatives in collaboration with the school management and parents, highlighting the collective recognition of the importance of promoting the Arabic language in private institutions. He believes the anticipated outcomes will positively influence students’ self-esteem and identity, contributing to the development of a generation more connected to their language, religion, and history.
Linking Past to Future
Mohammed Saleh, head of the ministry materials department at Al Yasat Private School in Abu Dhabi, asserted that mandating these initiatives has transcended being a mere procedural requirement and evolved into a vibrant national project reflecting the state’s vision in reinforcing identity and values. He noted that the curricula are crafted according to Emirati standards but are presented in a dynamic manner that integrates them into students’ everyday lives, ensuring that language symbolizes identity, religion embodies values, and history remains a living memory in the hearts of future generations.
He highlighted the school’s launch of innovative initiatives that embody this vision, including the “Ghaf Roots” initiative, which draws upon the symbolic significance of the ghaf tree in Emirati culture as a linguistic and knowledge gateway, and the “Pearl Memory” initiative that revisits maritime heritage, instilling values of patience and determination in students, alongside the “Identity Journey” initiative that serves as a symbolic passport documenting their learning milestones in language and national values from foundation through graduation.
In Abu Dhabi, the Department of Education and Knowledge has issued a new educational policy regarding the Ministry of Education’s subjects for preschool, confirming that Arabic language, Islamic education, and social studies are essential components significantly contributing to the preservation of the linguistic heritage and cultural identity of the United Arab Emirates. Early exposure to the Arabic language and culture has been made a mandatory requirement in early education institutions, stipulating that each child receives 200 minutes of Arabic instruction weekly and 90 minutes of Islamic education.
The department indicated the necessity of categorizing students into two tracks based on nationality—Track A for Arabic speakers and Track B for non-Arab citizens. Arab students are not permitted to change tracks, while non-Arab students may switch tracks upon parents’ request and school approval. Additionally, extra support in Arabic language education should be provided as needed throughout all grade levels to enhance their language skills aligned with their educational needs.
The department underscored the importance of schools implementing the Ministry of Education’s materials in accordance with the learning standards and outcomes stipulated by the ministry’s frameworks. Furthermore, schools are required to incorporate these learning outcomes into their official curricula, document them within weekly schedules, and prepare curricular plans that align with the ministry’s learning frameworks while selecting appropriate educational resources to achieve targeted learning outcomes and integrating these subjects into the school’s overall curriculum in harmony with other academic requirements and teaching methodologies.
Finally, the department called for the development of a curriculum for the Ministry of Education’s subjects in collaboration with the curriculum teaching team, ensuring alignment with the specified topics, concepts, themes, and goals.