The UAE Ministry of Education has made it mandatory for all private schools to teach Arabic, Islamic Studies, and Social Studies at the kindergarten level starting from the 2025/2026 academic year.
The nationwide move aims to strengthen national identity, instill Emirati values, and build foundational language and social understanding from an early age.
The guidelines apply to all private schools across the UAE, regardless of curriculum, and form part of the Ministry’s broader vision to embed national identity into early education. The initiative will ensure that children grow up with a strong grasp of their mother tongue, a sense of belonging, and awareness of local culture and environment.
Arabic will be taught daily, beginning with 200 minutes per week in 2025, increasing to 300 minutes weekly by 2027. Qualified early childhood educators will deliver the lessons using approved, age-appropriate resources tailored to both native and non-native speakers.
Islamic Studies will be mandatory for all Muslim students in kindergarten, with schools required to allocate 90 minutes per week through structured sessions. Social Studies content will focus on family values, UAE geography, environment, and key social topics, delivered through play-based learning woven into everyday activities.
To support implementation, the Ministry will provide instructional frameworks and learning outcomes in advance. Advisory visits will start in 2025, with formal inspections from the 2026/2027 academic year to ensure compliance. The initiative reflects a strategic commitment to nurturing a generation rooted in national values while supporting their academic and personal development.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
