The Announcement of UAE's Draft Arabic Language Law

The United Arab Emirates has taken a significant step toward preserving its cultural heritage by approving the drafting of a comprehensive Arabic Language Law. This initiative, part of a broader national cultural strategy, aims to reinforce the role of Arabic across various sectors, including higher education. Announced recently during a Federal National Council session, the law addresses the perceived decline in Arabic usage amid rapid globalization and demographic diversity. For higher education institutions, the draft introduces mandatory minimum requirements for Arabic language teaching, particularly in scientific majors, marking a pivotal shift in curriculum design.

Background on Language Policies in UAE Higher Education

UAE universities have long operated in a predominantly English-medium instruction (EMI) environment, especially in fields like engineering, medicine, and sciences. This approach supports the country's vision to become a global knowledge hub, attracting international faculty and students. Institutions such as New York University Abu Dhabi, Khalifa University, and United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) primarily use English for academic purposes. However, Arabic remains the official language per the UAE Constitution, and concerns have grown over Emirati students' declining proficiency in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), their mother tongue.

Studies indicate that prolonged exposure to EMI leads to intermediate Arabic proficiency among many students, with domain loss in specialized vocabulary. Emirati youth often excel in conversational dialect but struggle with formal MSA for academic or professional writing. This bilingual tension has prompted policymakers to balance global competitiveness with cultural preservation.

Key Provisions of the Draft Arabic Language Law

The law targets 10 sectors: government transactions, economy, education, culture, media, translation, family, technology, governance, and customer service. Core mandates include Arabic-speaking staff in essential services, Arabic in internal policies, and its prominence in media. Penalties and incentives will enforce compliance, drawing from international best practices.

In education, it elevates Arabic teaching from early childhood through university, boosting teacher training and content development. A feasibility study is underway, with drafting set for 2026 and implementation by 2027.

Mandates for Arabic in Higher Education Institutions

The most impactful for universities is the stipulation for a mandatory minimum requirement for Arabic teaching, focused on scientific majors. While exact details like credit hours or course loads are pending the final draft, it signals integration of Arabic into STEM curricula—traditionally EMI-dominant.

Additional measures include raising standards for Arabic academic publishing, hiring qualified instructors, and expanding Arabic-taught subjects. This aligns with recent higher education reforms under the Federal Decree by Law on Higher Education, emphasizing quality and national identity.

Current Arabic Language Landscape in UAE Universities

Today, Arabic requirements vary. UAEU mandates Arabic proficiency for admission in some programs and offers courses, but EMI prevails in sciences. Abu Dhabi University requires Arabic for law programs conducted in MSA. Private institutions like American University in Dubai provide elective Arabic for internationals.

Many offer free Arabic classes to foster integration, but mandatory credits in non-humanities fields are rare. The new law could standardize 3-6 credits of Arabic per degree in sciences, similar to general education requirements elsewhere.

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Challenges Posed by English-Medium Instruction

EMI, while boosting global rankings—UAEU ranks top in Arab world—erodes Arabic skills. Research shows Emirati students prefer bilingualism but face proficiency gaps; intermediate levels dominate, hindering MSA use in research or policy.

Faculty shortages in Arabic for STEM, resource scarcity, and international accreditation favoring English complicate matters. The law addresses this by prioritizing teacher training and Arabization of content. For details on EMI impacts, see this Gulf study.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Reactions

FNC member Sumaya Al Suwaidi highlighted the legislative gap weakening identity. Ministry officials emphasize balanced multilingualism. Students at NYU Abu Dhabi express mixed views: pride in heritage but EMI necessity for careers.

University leaders welcome cultural reinforcement but seek flexible implementation. Experts predict enhanced employability, as government jobs require Arabic fluency. A Khaleej Times analysis notes potential for innovative bilingual programs.

Implementation Timeline and Preparations

2026: Drafting and feasibility study submission to Cabinet. 2027: Law enactment with executive regulations. Universities prepare via curriculum audits, faculty upskilling, and AI tools for Arabic content—like the National AI Strategy's Arabic dictionary.

• Short-term: Pilot Arabic modules in select STEM courses.
• Medium-term: Accreditation tied to compliance.
• Long-term: Bilingual research output boost.

Potential Impacts on Students and Curricula

Emirati students gain stronger MSA skills for leadership roles; internationals benefit from cultural immersion. Curricula may hybridize: English lectures with Arabic seminars or assessments.

Statistics project 20-30% enrollment rise in Arabic-enhanced programs, aiding UAE's Vision 2031 for knowledge economy with identity. Challenges include transition costs, estimated at AED 50-100 million sector-wide.

International Comparisons and Best Practices

Saudi Arabia mandates Arabic in universities; Qatar balances via Qatar Foundation. Singapore's bilingual policy offers models. UAE can adopt phased integration, teacher incentives, and digital resources.

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Future Outlook: Opportunities for Bilingual Excellence

The law positions UAE higher education as a bilingual leader, fostering graduates fluent in Arabic and English for global-local roles. Partnerships with Zayed University or MBZUAI could pioneer Arabic AI in sciences. Long-term, expect elevated QS rankings via cultural innovation.

As implementation unfolds, universities like Khalifa and UAEU will lead, ensuring Arabic thrives alongside internationalization. For career advice in UAE academia, explore resources on academic CVs.