Universities reminded of obligation to teach in Arabic

Teaching in Arabic should be compulsory in state universities in the United Arab Emirates, Federal National Council members and linguistic and education experts have urged, writes Wafa Issa for The National.

Lessons taught in English are "a clear violation of the country's constitution", said Jamal Al Mehiri, a cultural advisor in the Dubai government. Article 7 of the constitution states that "the official language of the federation is Arabic", he said. "I am asking that the Federal National Council require UAE universities and schools to teach in Arabic, otherwise we will take to court any university that imposes English on our children.”

The comments and others were made at a seminar on the status of Arabic, its future and its relation to national identity, the last in a series of meetings between the committee and educational and linguistic experts. The committee will issue a report to the council and cabinet on policies and measures needed to enhance Arabic, especially among young people.
Full report on The National site