Arabic and Islamic studies made mandatory in all UAE kindergartens

The UAE Ministry of Education will implement a fundamental change in early childhood education in the private school system by requiring Arabic language classes for all kindergarten students beginning in the 2025–2026 academic year. Primary language instruction in Arabic will be included for 200 minutes a week (or 40 minutes a day) under the new requirements. For states using a phased approach, this will increase to 60 minutes a day in the 2027–2028 academic year.

Islamic studies will also be required for all Muslim kindergarten students, with a weekly requirement of 90 minutes. This will be delivered in either three 30-minute or two 45-minute sessions during the week.

The Ministry also introduced mandatory guidelines for social studies, grounded in a play-based learning framework, utilized indoors and outdoors. Topics will focus on age-appropriate forms of study, such as the family unit, geography of the UAE, local surroundings, and social values, to help young learners instill a strong sense of national identity and awareness of their community.These requirements will be added to the curriculum of all private school systems in the UAE, regardless of the curriculum or tuition fees. The Ministry is working to implement changes within private schools and provide teachers with instructional frameworks and defined learning objectives prior to the 2025/2026 academic year. The Ministry will offer advisory visits and conduct inspections in collaboration with local education jurisdictions starting with the 2026–2027 school year.

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