Connect with us

Announcements

Dubai mandates Arabic learning from birth to age 6 in private schools

Published

on

Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has introduced a groundbreaking policy aimed at enhancing Arabic language education in early childhood learning, the authority announced on Friday.

The new policy mandates Arabic language education for children from birth to six years old at all private schools and early childhood centres in Dubai. This initiative seeks to reinforce the use of Arabic in both educational institutions and society, fostering a deep-rooted sense of pride in Emirati culture, language, and heritage.

Implementation Timeline

The policy will take effect from September 2025 for schools that follow a September academic year and from April 2026 for schools that begin their academic year in April. It will be implemented in phases, with the first phase—starting in September 2025—focusing on children aged four to six years. Subsequent phases will gradually extend the policy to cover all children from birth to six years.

A Play-Based Approach to Learning Arabic

KHDA emphasized that the new policy promotes a play-based, inquiry-driven approach to Arabic language learning in early childhood. Schools and early childhood centres will be required to offer diverse language-learning models to cater to both native and non-native Arabic speakers.

Additionally, at least one-third of a child’s instructional time must involve an Arabic teacher engaging students in interactive and culturally relevant activities. Schools must also ensure that Arabic teachers hold the necessary qualifications and receive professional development to enhance their teaching skills.

Parental Involvement Encouraged

KHDA has urged parents to actively support their children’s Arabic language development both at school and home. Schools will provide resources and strategies to help integrate Arabic language learning into everyday life.

‘Language of Daad’ Initiative

The initiative to enhance Arabic language education in early childhood is part of Loughat Al Daad, one of 28 key initiatives under Dubai’s Education 33 strategy.

“Daad is a letter and sound unique to the Arabic language, and Loughat Al Daad translates to ‘The Language of Daad.’ This initiative aims to strengthen Arabic language acquisition while deepening children’s understanding of UAE culture and heritage,” KHDA highlighted.

Updates to Mandatory Subjects

In addition to the early childhood Arabic education policy, KHDA has updated the curriculum requirements for national mandatory subjects across private schools in Dubai. These include Arabic, Islamic Education, Social Studies, and Moral Education for students from Grade 1/Year 2 to Grade 12/Year 13.

The updates introduce:

  • Increased instructional time for these subjects.
  • Changes in the language of instruction for Arabic, Islamic Education, and Social Studies for Arab students.
  • Revised content for UAE Social, Moral, and Cultural Studies for non-Arab students.

These changes reflect KHDA’s commitment to enhancing Arabic language proficiency and strengthening the cultural education framework within Dubai’s private school system.

With 20 years of experience across print, TV, and digital journalism, Sudhashree is a seasoned media professional with a keen eye for news. A true news bug, she thrives on curating stories that capture the pulse of fashion, film, and all things trending. Deeply immersed in the fast-evolving media landscape, she swears by the power of social media to shape narratives and spark conversations.

Announcements

UAE corporate tax update: Penalty of Dh10,000 for businesses missing deadline

Published

on

The UAE’s Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has reaffirmed the importance of Corporate Tax registration for all natural persons conducting business in the country. If your total turnover exceeds Dh1 million in the 2024 calendar year or any subsequent year, you are considered a Taxable Person and must register for Corporate Tax by March 31 of the following year to remain compliant.

Key Compliance Requirements:

  • Who Needs to Register? Any individual (natural person) conducting a business or business activity in the UAE whose turnover exceeds Dh1 million.
  • Deadline for Registration: March 31, 2025, for those exceeding the turnover threshold in 2024.
  • Corporate Tax Return Submission: Due by September 30, 2025.
  • Penalties for Non-Compliance: Failing to register by the deadline will result in an administrative penalty of Dh10,000.

Registration Process:

  • VAT or Excise Tax registrants can log into their EmaraTax account to submit their Corporate Tax registration.
  • Once approved, a corporate tax registration number will be issued.

Businesses in the country must register for corporate tax on time to avoid paying penalties.

(Source: Wam)

Continue Reading

Announcements

RTA Unveils ‘360 Vision’ to redefine smart mobility in Dubai

Published

on

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched the next-generation 360 Services Policy, aimed at enhancing customer experience by providing integrated, seamless, and proactive digital services without requiring in-person visits. As part of its ongoing digital transformation efforts, RTA is shifting its services to self-service models, enabling customers to access them smoothly via shared digital platforms, such as the “Dubai Now” app.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, emphasised RTA’s commitment to developing a modern and smart service ecosystem that efficiently meets customer expectations. This drive aligns with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, to enhance the quality of life in Dubai, positioning it as the world’s best city to live in, and establish it as the smartest city globally.

Al Tayer also attributed the development of the policy to the continuous follow-up and guidance of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai. He highlighted RTA’s commitment to leveraging smart technologies to enhance its services and improve the customer experience. As a result, RTA has transformed its services into smart solutions accessible through various digital platforms, ensuring they are innovative, user-friendly, and easily accessible.

Al Tayer added: “RTA has completed Phase II of the ‘360 Services Policy,’ through which driver and vehicle licensing services had been transformed into fully digital, proactive, and integrated services. This phase, which accounts for 40% of RTA’s total services, has enhanced service efficiency, improved the customer experience, and raised the customer happiness index to 98.9%. It had also led to a 96% improvement in service accessibility, zero waiting time for 82 services, and the elimination of in-person visit requirements for 63 services. Additionally, service process steps had been reduced by 36%, while new digital options have expanded service availability by 61%. Digital adoption also surged to 96% in Q4 of 2024.

“In 2024, RTA collaborated with 32 partners from the public and private sectors to achieve service integration, leading to the enhancement of 71 services, which can now be accessed without prior requirements. RTA will embark on Phase III of the policy this year, which, according to the plan, will involve the development of all RTA services. This phase will further enhance the customer experience and contribute to achieving the targeted customer happiness indicators.”

( By- WAM)

Continue Reading

Announcements

Dubai’s most expensive villa? Jumeirah Bay mansion fetches Dh330M

Published

on

Dubai’s luxury real estate market has hit another milestone with the record-breaking sale of a custom-built six-bedroom villa on Jumeirah Bay Island for Dh330 million. The transaction, facilitated by Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty, marks the highest-ever price for a home on the exclusive island, surpassing the previous record of Dh240.5 million.

Often dubbed ‘Billionaire’s Island,’ Jumeirah Bay is an ultra-exclusive enclave featuring just 128 plots, attracting elite buyers seeking privacy, rarity, and an unparalleled waterfront lifestyle. The recently sold villa occupies one of only three plots at the island’s tip and is the only one offering uninterrupted views of the Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai skyline.

Spanning 26,895 square feet, the villa is a masterpiece of design, encased in full-height glass walls and boasting soaring 13-metre-high ceilings. The residence is crafted with exquisite materials, including Taj Mahal Quartzite, Patagonian marble, and walnut wood veneer, exuding sophistication at every turn. A beachfront infinity pool and a private stretch of pristine white-sand beach further enhance its exclusivity.

Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty associate directors Regan Faulkner and Ioana Armeanu represented the seller in the landmark transaction.

“AED 330 million is more than just a figure—it’s a statement,” said George Azar, CEO and chairman of Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty. “The demand for properties of this caliber marks a shift where provenance and exclusivity hold more value than ever.”

This historic sale cements Jumeirah Bay Island’s status as a premier destination for ultra-luxury real estate, further driving demand for its limited and highly coveted properties.

Continue Reading

Popular

© Copyright 2025 HEADLINE. All rights reserved

https://headline.ae/