New Guidelines for Arabic Language and Islamic Studies in UAE Private Schools

Introduction of Mandatory Guidelines

The Ministry of Education in the UAE has recently announced mandatory guidelines that will reshape the curriculum for private schools. These new requirements emphasize the teaching of Arabic language, Islamic Studies, and Social Studies specifically in kindergarten classes. The initiative marks a significant step towards fostering national identity and cultural pride among young students in the UAE.

Implementation Timeline

These guidelines are set to take effect from the 2025/2026 academic year. Notably, they will apply uniformly to all private schools throughout the country, regardless of the educational curriculum they follow. The Ministry’s objective is clear: to cultivate a generation that not only embraces its national identity but also gains proficiency in Arabic and an understanding of the UAE’s family and social values.

Strengthening National Values

As outlined by the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the Ministry’s initiative targets early childhood education as a crucial platform for instilling national values. Children will be equipped not just with language skills, but also with a foundational understanding of their societal and environmental responsibilities. The hope is to nurture pride in their heritage from an early age.

Framework and Learning Outcomes

To ensure a seamless transition to these new guidelines, private schools will be provided with comprehensive instructional frameworks and learning outcomes for Arabic, Islamic Studies, and Social Studies. This preparation is scheduled before the commencement of the academic year 2025/2026. Furthermore, the Ministry will conduct advisory visits during the initial implementation phase to guide schools on effectively adhering to the new requirements.

Inspection and Compliance

From the 2026/2027 academic year, the Ministry plans to initiate regular inspections in partnership with local educational authorities. This step aims to verify compliance with the newly established guidelines, ensuring that educational standards are maintained across all private institutions.

Structured Language Instruction

A key component of these guidelines is the requirement for Arabic language instruction. Beginning from the 2025/2026 academic year, all students will partake in 200 minutes of Arabic lessons weekly (approximately 40 minutes daily). This time commitment is scheduled to increase to 300 minutes weekly (60 minutes daily) by the 2027/2028 academic year. These lessons are to be delivered by qualified early childhood teachers who will employ age-appropriate methods tailored for both native and non-native Arabic speakers.

Islamic Studies for Young Learners

The other cornerstone of this educational initiative is Islamic Studies. Kindergarten Muslim students will engage in weekly instruction totaling 90 minutes, which can be divided into either three 30-minute sessions or two 45-minute sessions. This structured approach aims to provide students with a foundational understanding of their faith in an early and engaging manner.

Incorporating Social Studies

Additionally, private schools are required to introduce concepts related to family dynamics, UAE geography, environmental awareness, and essential social values into their kindergarten curricula. The Ministry emphasizes that these topics should be integrated into learning through engaging, play-based methodologies. This approach is intended to facilitate experiential learning both inside and outside the classroom.

Conclusion

The Ministry of Education’s newly approved guidelines represent a significant shift in the educational landscape for private schools in the UAE. By embedding Arabic language instruction, Islamic Studies, and Social Studies from a young age, the Ministry aims to nurture a generation that is not only skilled in their language and culture but also deeply connected to the values and identity of the UAE. The emphasis on engaging, play-based learning will likely provide a rich educational experience for kindergarten students across the nation.