Sharjah Ruler Mandates Arabic as Primary Language in Public Nurseries

Sharjah Ruler Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi has issued a landmark directive mandating Arabic as the primary language of instruction in all public nurseries across the emirate. This decision underscores a strategic effort to safeguard the Arabic language and its cultural significance for future generations.

Announced during a Sharjah Education Academy (SEA) Board of Trustees meeting, the move aims to instil fluency and comprehension in Arabic from an early age, fostering a deep cultural connection among young learners. Sheikh Dr. Sultan, a long-time advocate for preserving Arabic, emphasised its critical role as a unifying thread for more than 300 million speakers worldwide.

This initiative builds upon the emirate's legacy of promoting Arabic education. In 2013, the ‘Lughati’ initiative was launched to integrate technology into Arabic learning, equipping government school students and teachers with interactive tools to make the language more accessible. More recently, the ‘Passion for Arabic’ programme, introduced in October 2023, uses diverse arts and contemporary techniques to inspire a love for the language among both native and non-native speakers. 

Sharjah's commitment to Arabic extends to significant academic endeavours, including the creation of the 127-volume ‘Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language’, which captures the evolution of Arabic vocabulary and serves as a key resource for linguists, educators, and scholars worldwide.

The emirate's policy aligns with national strategies to strengthen Arabic’s role across education systems. Abu Dhabi, for example, will require Arabic-speaking teachers in nurseries starting from the 2025/26 academic year to enhance immersive language learning through songs, sounds, and play.