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'Arabic in crisis’: Dubai billionaire says language must be taught 'properly' in schools
Al Habtoor said that the language is deteriorating amongst young Emiratis, even recalling how some of his own grandchildren don’t speak it
- PUBLISHED: Wed 14 Jan 2026, 7:37 PM
- By:
- Hind Aldah
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Prominent Emirati billionaire Khalaf Al Habtoor called for schools to “properly” teach the Arabic language, saying that the number of Emirati youth who do not speak it is “dangerous".
Al Habtoor said that the language is deteriorating amongst young Emiratis, even recalling how some of his own grandchildren don’t speak the language. “Arabic is in crisis,” he said. “Children grow up speaking English every day. This is dangerous.”
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The outspoken Emirati billionaire was speaking at the annual Al Habtoor Research Centre event, which took place at the V Hotel on Wednesday.
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Al Habtoor added that English doesn’t have to be taught for all school subjects, referring to history and religion. “Arabic is a great language. It’s the language of the Qur’an, a language we should be proud of, and I wish for the Ministry of Education to consult relevant parties,” he said.
His comment comes after the announcement of expanding the Al Habtoor Research Centre, a think tank owned by Al Habtoor Group, chaired by Khalaf, and based in Cairo. The centre announced that it will expand to Dubai and will focus on innovation and scientific research.
The centre prides itself from being different from other think tanks with its publication of ‘Early Warning’ Programme, which focuses on future trends and transformations in geopolitical situations and tries to assess and forecast potential risks a country may be facing.
Although Arabic is losing ground with many of the Emirati youth, according to Al Habtoor, the UAE is actively seeking to rekindle the love for the language through a series of initiatives.
The Mohammed bin Rashid Arabic Language Award recognises those individuals who in some way or another support Arabic. Another is the Arabic Language Youth Council, launched in 2023, to help promote the language “in line with the needs of younger generation".
Hind Aldah covers business, tech, crypto and all that jazz for a younger audience. In her spare time, you will find her playing classical guitar, painting amateur oil paintings, or crocheting the same old scarf that leads nowhere.
