All private schools in Dubai have commenced the transition of teaching Social Studies from English to Arabic. This shift is in alignment with directives issued by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and the Ministry of Education, following the guidelines regarding mandatory curriculum requirements for private schools for the academic year 2025-2026, prepared by the authority and distributed to all educational institutions.
School administrations have affirmed that this initiative represents a significant advancement in the private education sector within the emirate. They have stated that teaching Social Studies in Arabic will strengthen Arabic-speaking students’ connection to their identity and local culture, providing them with a deeper understanding of their national history.
Moreover, school officials noted that these updated mandatory requirements reflect the KHDA’s commitment to fully support schools by supplying updated educational materials and teaching guides to ensure a smooth transition. They explained that this move will encourage educators to adopt innovative teaching methods that highlight the uniqueness of Emirati culture.
Administrators also reported that parents welcomed this decision, viewing it as a means to enhance their children’s Arabic language skills and equip them with knowledge tools better suited to their local environment. They emphasized that teaching Social Studies in Arabic will foster greater appreciation among Arabic-speaking students for Emirati heritage and culture, allowing them to gain a better understanding of their community and history.
In a related context, the KHDA indicated on its website that the guidelines are part of a broader strategy to enhance national identity within educational curricula. They anticipate that this will contribute to the development of a generation more connected to their native language and better equipped to comprehend Social Studies from a local perspective.
The guidelines set forth by the KHDA outline the requirements for teaching mandatory subjects, which include Arabic Language, Islamic Education, and Social Studies, in accordance with the educational regulations authorized by the Ministry of Education. This initiative is part of the KHDA’s commitment to unifying practices and ensuring the quality of educational outcomes for all students, regardless of their backgrounds.
The authority emphasized that instructing mandatory subjects in Arabic is essential for bolstering national identity and promoting authentic Emirati values, contributing to the formation of a balanced generation capable of active engagement in a multicultural society. They noted that these subjects extend beyond academic aspects, playing a crucial role in instilling national belonging and pride in the Arabic language, which serves as the official language of the state and a primary tool for knowledge and communication.
The guidelines mandate that private schools in Dubai must cover all curricula approved by the Ministry of Education within their educational plans, ensuring a balance among the various skills addressed by these subjects. They highlighted the importance of reviewing curriculum outlines to align with the allotted hours for Arabic Language, Islamic Education, and Social Studies starting from the academic year 2025-2026. The KHDA stressed the necessity for schools to adhere to the unified national curricula and prohibited any alterations or exceptions unless prior approval is granted by the authority, based on professional reports supported by educational evidence.
Implementation Mechanism
The guidelines include a section on the organization of class schedules for mandatory subjects, requiring schools to allocate these classes within the official school hours to ensure equal opportunities for all students. It cautioned that merging these different curricula into one class would constitute a violation, and separate classes must be designated for each subject to ensure teaching efficiency and achieve fairness.
The guidelines explained that schools wishing to modify the educational curricula for students with special needs must conduct a thorough study by specialists and submit an official request to the authority that includes justifications. These modifications should remain limited and align with the Ministry of Education’s requirements. The KHDA affirmed that the goal is to ensure all students receive quality education comparable to their peers, while providing necessary support based on individual education plans when needed.
Among the critical points outlined in the guidelines, the exclusive instruction of Social Studies in Arabic has been mandated starting from the current academic year for all Arab students enrolled in private schools in Dubai. The implementation of this subject will adhere to the national curriculum approved by the Ministry of Education, where schools are expected to rely on official resources published on the ministry’s website. Additionally, the guidelines allow schools to offer supportive plans for students needing extra assistance in Arabic, provided that they maintain quality outcomes while keeping accurate records of students’ performance in this subject, presenting these records to the authority upon request.
Quality Assurance
The authority indicated that the Ministry of Education would provide schools with clear criteria and learning outcomes for each mandatory subject to standardize implementation quality and ensure ongoing performance. They emphasized that ministerial support includes supplying guiding materials and electronic educational resources that meet the state’s requirements, culture, and laws, assisting schools in adhering to the standards with the highest level of accuracy and clarity. The final aim is to achieve high-quality educational outcomes that foster students’ linguistic and cognitive abilities, preparing them for effective integration into the local and global community.
Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation
The guidelines require private schools to submit periodic reports documenting their compliance with the implementation of mandatory subjects according to the specified criteria, while maintaining performance records as proof of students’ achievements. Schools are also required to undergo regular evaluation visits by specialized teams to ensure effective implementation and compliance with the directives. The KHDA reaffirmed that the enforcement of these policies aligns with the “Education Strategy 33” and Dubai’s ambitious vision of building a cohesive generation with a strong identity who are knowledgeable and adaptable to the future.