Arabic Literacy Takes Centre Stage as Horouf & Kalimat Conference Concludes with Transformative Insights

Eight hundred and ten educators, researchers and academics gathered in Abu Dhabi for the third edition of the region's leading early childhood literacy conference, emerging with a shared vision for strengthening Arabic language learning through research, teacher development and family engagement.

The Horouf & Kalimat Early Childhood Literacy Conference, held at ERTH Abu Dhabi, has drawn to a close with a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at reshaping how young children acquire Arabic literacy skills. Over three days of intensive dialogue, the conference brought together fifty academics, researchers and educators from across the region and beyond, alongside forty-eight teachers who participated in an intensive eighteen-hour training programme titled ‘From the Brain to the Reader’.

The event’s architecture reflected its ambitious scope: sixteen panel discussions, twenty-three interactive workshops and four keynote presentations created multiple pathways for participants to engage with the complex challenge of early Arabic literacy. As we reported when Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi inaugurated the conference, the gathering represented a significant moment for Arabic language education in the region.

The conference’s recommendations emerged from rigorous examination of contemporary challenges in Arabic language teaching. Participants emphasised the need to align curriculum development with teacher training and school policies, particularly in addressing gaps in children’s reading and writing skills. The quality of Arabic books and educational content emerged as another critical focus, with delegates calling for materials better suited to children’s ages and developmental interests.

Ahmed Al Ali, General Manager of Kalimat Group, articulated the conference’s central philosophy: “We need to connect these efforts and draw on research and practical experience to identify areas for improvement in classrooms and at home. The true value of the conference discussions lies in turning ideas into practices that help children understand what they read, express their thoughts and develop a lasting connection with Arabic through reading, comprehension and a love of the language.”

Family involvement emerged as a cornerstone of effective Arabic learning. Participants recommended incorporating regular reading and conversations with children, alongside storytelling, play and interactive activities. The conference recognised that meaningful language acquisition occurs not solely within classroom walls but through the daily rhythms of family life, where children encounter Arabic naturally and authentically.

Teaching approaches that accommodate diverse learning needs, including those of children of determination, featured prominently in the discussions. Sessions explored how play and engagement could be reintegrated into Arabic instruction, moving away from purely mechanical approaches towards methods that kindle genuine enthusiasm for the language.

The conference’s panel discussions encompassed the full spectrum of contemporary challenges. Sessions addressed foundational skill gaps, examined what remains absent from current Arabic language education, explored the relationship between children’s literature and language development, and investigated how to create age-appropriate content that resonates with young learners. The role of Arabic in strengthening national identity was examined alongside emerging questions about artificial intelligence’s potential contribution to language education.

Specialist workshops delved into practical methodology, with expert-led sessions on interactive reading strategies, illustrated storytelling, children’s book development, and the integration of play-based learning. The conference’s training programme, ‘From the Brain to the Reader’, applied contemporary reading science research directly to classroom practice, examining the neurological and developmental foundations of reading readiness.

The conference operated in strategic partnership with the National Academy for Childhood Development, supported by the UAE Ministry of Education and IFA Hotels & Resorts as main sponsors, reflecting institutional commitment to advancing Arabic literacy across the Emirates.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi’s position as host to this significant educational gathering underscores the Emirate’s role in driving forward conversations about language, learning and cultural identity across the Arab region. The conference’s findings will inform policy discussions and educational practices in schools throughout the Emirates, contributing to improved outcomes for young Arabic learners at a formative stage of their education.

The emphasis on connecting classroom instruction with family engagement carries particular significance for Abu Dhabi’s diverse population, where supporting multilingual children and strengthening Arabic language acquisition represent shared educational priorities. The research-based recommendations emerging from the conference provide a framework for educators and families to work in concert, strengthening not only literacy skills but also children’s connection to their cultural heritage through the Arabic language.

Source: WAM