Jumeirah International Nurseries Early Childhood Centre (JINS ECC), part of Fortes Education, has introduced an enhanced focus on Arabic learning in Dubai and Sharjah. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s national vision to strengthen the Arabic language and identity from the earliest years.
Building on JINS ECC’s play-based approach to early years education, the new Arabic programme celebrates both the language and the country’s heritage through exploration and connection.
“At JINS ECC, Arabic is lived with children, not just taught to them. Every story, rhyme, and conversation is a chance to discover the beauty of the language naturally, through play and connection,” said Amira Salem, Head of Curriculum at JINS ECC.
Integrating Arabic Through Play and Purpose
Arabic at JINS ECC is thematically woven into the Long-Term Plan curriculum, aligning with the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). This ensures that learning remains purposeful, meaningful, and linked to every child’s daily experiences.
The curriculum focuses on seven key linguistic competencies: listening, speaking, reading, writing, phonological awareness, vocabulary building, and comprehension. These are developed through storytelling, songs, rhymes, and imaginative role play.
Each classroom features Arabic and English displays, dual-language book corners, and learning spaces that encourage bilingual exploration. Collaboration with local resource creators also brings in storybooks, toys, and sensory materials that reflect Arabic culture.
Phonics, Family, and Fun
The Arabic Phonics and Early Reading programmes at JINS ECC ensure children develop the building blocks of language in a fun and systematic way. Parents remain key partners in this journey.
Families receive weekly updates with Arabic songs and stories to support learning at home. Regular meetings with Arabic teachers allow parents to track progress through a detailed reporting system built around the seven competencies.
Arabic learning continues beyond structured lessons. It forms part of everyday life — during play, snack time, and free-flow sessions. Storytelling led by native-speaking parents further strengthens the home-school link.
“At JINS ECC, Arabic learning is about pride, identity, and connection. In our wonderfully diverse community, where children come from many cultures and speak many languages, parents deeply value seeing their children explore the UAE’s native language. It’s a meaningful way for children to develop understanding, curiosity, and respect for the world around them, while feeling a true sense of belonging,” said Samina Khanyari, General Manager of JINS ECC.
Embedding Culture Through Everyday Connection
JINS ECC’s Arabic learning in Dubai and Sharjah celebrates inclusion and cultural respect rather than assuming Arabic is every child’s home language. Across all ten branches, teachers have introduced the “One Arabic Phrase a Week” initiative, encouraging staff and families to learn simple expressions together.
Greeting families is now bilingual across campuses, making Arabic a living part of each child’s day.
“Arabic, like all learning, should begin with joy. When language is taught through play, connection, and love, it becomes part of who a child is, not just what they know. At JINS ECC, we’re nurturing that natural pride in the UAE’s language and culture from the very start,” said Katrina Mankani, Managing Director – JINS ECC.
Positive Education Meets Language and Identity
Through its Positive Education philosophy, JINS ECC ensures that Arabic learning supports both cognitive growth and emotional wellbeing. Parents at JINS ECC Al Mamsha in Sharjah have praised the authentic bilingual environment and the joyful way Arabic is introduced.
For more than forty-five years, JINS ECC has been a trusted name in British Early Years education in the UAE, offering a holistic and values-driven learning experience for children aged forty-five days to six years.
About Jumeirah International Nurseries Early Childhood Centre (JINS ECC)
Established in 1981, JINS ECC is part of Fortes Education and has ten branches across Dubai and Sharjah. The centres follow the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum enriched with Positive Education, the Reggio Emilia philosophy, and STEAM learning. JINS ECC proudly holds dual ISO accreditations (ISO 9001 and ISO 21001), reflecting its commitment to global standards of quality, safety, and educational excellence.
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