;

Sharjah Makes Arabic the Official Language in Nurseries

  • Publish date: since 2 hour
Sharjah Makes Arabic the Official Language in Nurseries

Sharjah’s Ruler, Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, has announced a new policy requiring all public nurseries in the emirate to use Arabic as the primary language of instruction. The decision, unveiled during a Sharjah Education Academy (SEA) Board of Trustees meeting, aims to nurture Arabic fluency and cultural awareness among young children.  

This directive reflects Sheikh Dr. Sultan's dedication to preserving the Arabic language as a vital element of identity for over 300 million speakers worldwide.  

A Legacy of Arabic Language Promotion

Sharjah has consistently prioritized Arabic education. In 2013, the emirate introduced the ‘Lughati’ initiative, which leveraged technology to enhance Arabic learning in public schools. This effort provided students and teachers with modern tools to make the language more accessible and engaging.  

More recently, October 2023 saw the launch of the ‘Passion for Arabic’ programme, which uses creative arts and innovative techniques to inspire love for the language among native and non-native speakers alike.  

Building Resources for the Future

In addition to educational initiatives, Sharjah has contributed to Arabic scholarship with the creation of the 127-volume Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language. This monumental work documents the evolution of Arabic vocabulary and serves as a key resource for educators, linguists, and researchers worldwide.  

Aligning With National Efforts

Sharjah’s decision aligns with broader UAE goals to strengthen the role of Arabic in education. For instance, Abu Dhabi will soon require Arabic-speaking teachers in nurseries starting from the 2025/26 academic year. The aim is to create immersive language environments through play, songs, and sounds, ensuring a strong foundation in Arabic from an early age.

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel for latest news