Nurturing a strong sense of national identity from early childhood is essential to raising confident, connected children who understand their heritage and role in the community. To support this, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has introduced “Al Saff Al Emirati” – a dedicated classroom provision available to all private nurseries, offering an immersive learning experience rooted in Emirati heritage, values, and mother tongue.
Designed for children aged 2 to 4, the classrooms are led by Emirati educators who bring cultural elements into everyday learning routines through Arabic-led instruction, and traditional activities integrating proverbs, poetry and culture through stories of UAE’s rich heritage, poetry, traditions, and inspiring figures. This reinforces Arabic as more than a means of communication, but a key pillar of identity and belonging, to help children build a sense of identity, pride, and love for their culture from an early age.
Al Saff Al Emirati already launched in 11 private nurseries across Abu Dhabi. With more applying for this provision later this academic year, parents are encouraged to check and request this new classroom from their private nurseries ensuring their child receives the right cultural exposure from a young age.
Eligibility requirements include the employment of at least two Emirati educators and a comprehensive curriculum plan detailing how private nurseries will create a supportive classroom environment equipped with appropriate Arabic learning resources.
Mariam Al Hallami, Executive Director of the Early Education Sector at ADEK, said: “We are creating an environment where children can build a strong foundation in Arabic, further fostering their sense of self and community within a local context. For parents, our comprehensive approach ensures Arabic literacy and national identity are embedded in Abu Dhabi’s youngest learners. Al Saff Al Emirati will also support career pathways into early education for passionate Emirati educators who want to contribute to this field.”
Enrollment is open to both Emirati and non-Emirati families who want to provide their children with a culturally rich and Arabic-focused learning experience. Attracting over 21% expat families to the program, Al Saff Al Emirati is an opportunity to immerse children into the local context fostering deeper communal understanding while embedding a sense of belonging, common values, and confidence in every child.
The 11 private nurseries currently implementing the Al Saff Al Emirati classroom includes:
- Bright Beginnings Nursery – Al Rawdha, Abu Dhabi
- Liwa International School – Al Qattara, Al Ain
- Teddy Bear Nursery – Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi
- Redwood Nursery – Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi
- Redwood Nursery – Al Marina, Abu Dhabi
- Redwood Nursery – Al Rawdha, Abu Dhabi
- Kids Fantasy Nursery – Al Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi
- Little Helpers Nursery – Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi
- Little Helpers Nursery –Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi
- Blossom Education Investment – Zayed City, Abu Dhabi
- Blossom Education Investment – Rabdan, Abu Dhabi
For more information, visit adek.gov.ae or follow ADEK on social media:
- Instagram: @adek_insta
- Twitter: ADEK_tweet
- Facebook: Department of Education and Knowledge
- YouTube: ADEK Abu Dhabi
