Launching a Pioneering and Innovative Approach to Arabic Language Education

On 30 September 2024, the American Community School of Abu Dhabi (ACS) inaugurated the ACS Arabic Institute of Excellence, a forward-thinking initiative designed to elevate Arabic language education within the UAE and across the region. The Institute aligns with the UAE’s educational goals, focusing on enriching Arabic language learning, fostering cultural appreciation, and preserving the language for future generations.

The launch event featured distinguished attendees, including His Excellency Mubarak Hammad Al Mheiri, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK); Ms. Rachel Mikeska, Cultural and Educational Attaché from the U.S. Embassy; and the members of the Institute’s inaugural International Advisory Council. The Council comprises influential Arabic language advocates and scholars such as Ahmed Alahmadi, Dr. Christy Brown, Omaima Elaraby, Dr. Rima Karami, Mary Tadros, Dr. Zeinab Taha, and Dr. David Wilmsen.

As a premier American international school representing over 60 nationalities, ACS leverages its diverse community to make a global impact on Arabic language education through this innovative institute. The ACS Arabic Institute of Excellence is centered on three key goals: 1. Enhancing Arabic through collaboration with top educational experts; 2. Inspiring student engagement with the language; and 3. Fostering teacher development and leadership. A standout feature of the Institute is its in-service K-12 Arabic certification program for educators in the UAE and beyond, offering an international certification that enables them to teach Arabic worldwide. The first cohort of 11 teachers were announced at the launch, with certification completion expected in June 2025.

The Institute benefits from the insights and expertise of its international Advisory Council, formed in partnership with esteemed institutions such as the American University of Beirut (AUB), NYU Abu Dhabi, and the American University of Cairo. These collaborations aim to reinforce the UAE’s vision of cultural appreciation while positioning Abu Dhabi as a global leader in Arabic education, supporting enhanced curriculum development, research initiatives, and teacher training.

Monique Flickinger, Superintendent of ACS, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative: “At ACS, we are committed to preparing students for the future while honoring the rich history and culture of the UAE. The ACS Arabic Institute of Excellence is a testament to our dedication to Arabic language education. Through this Institute, we aim to ignite a passion for Arabic and create meaningful learning experiences. We believe that by elevating Arabic language teaching, we are enriching students’ academic journeys and promoting cultural understanding that will last a lifetime.”

Flickinger further highlighted the Institute’s role in preserving Arabic’s global relevance: “This initiative embodies our responsibility to safeguard and promote Arabic. We are eager to witness how the Institute will empower our community to celebrate the Arabic language’s beauty and significance.”

Dr. Hanadi Dayyeh, Chair of the ACS Arabic Institute of Excellence and ACS Director of Arabic Studies, emphasized the Institute’s broader impact: “The Arabic Institute of Excellence is about much more than language instruction—it’s about creating a movement that recognizes Arabic’s importance in both regional and international contexts. With our Advisory Council’s support, we are pioneering innovative, modern methods to transform Arabic education for K-12 students. Our Institute serves as a collaborative space for Arabic teachers to innovate, learn, and grow.”

Dr. Rima Karami, Associate Professor and Chairperson of Educational Administration, Policy, and Leadership at the American University of Beirut, shared her excitement about AUB’s partnership with ACS: “ACS believes in leading educational innovation and sharing successful models with the broader professional community. Through our TAMAM project, we’ve championed such partnerships for the past 17 years. We look forward to supporting the ACS Arabic Institute in transforming Arabic education across the region.”

Since its formation in September 2022, the Advisory Council has played a vital role in guiding the Institute’s development, contributing to the framework for international teacher certification and shaping a curriculum that integrates traditional and modern approaches. This curriculum aims to make Arabic language learning more accessible and engaging for students.

Looking ahead, the ACS Arabic Institute of Excellence aspires to set a global standard for Arabic education. By pioneering innovative teaching strategies and cultivating a new generation of Arabic-speaking global leaders, the Institute seeks to inspire educational institutions both regionally and internationally, highlighting the cultural significance and enduring value of the Arabic language.