Ras Al Khaimah's IQRA Programme to Enhance Arabic Literacy in Private Schools
RAK private schools to roll out programme in September to help kids read Arabic
Image: Khaleej Times
The IQRA programme, developed by the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation, will be implemented in private schools across Ras Al Khaimah starting September 2026. A recent evaluation revealed that the programme significantly improves early Arabic reading skills, equating to an additional 25% of a school year in reading gains for students in KG1 through Grade 1.
- 01The IQRA programme aims to bridge the gap between spoken Arabic and Modern Standard Arabic, simplifying reading instruction for young learners.
- 02The independent evaluation conducted by J-PAL MENA involved 83 classrooms across 26 schools during the 2024-2025 academic year.
- 03Students in IQRA classrooms showed significant improvements, moving from the 50th to the 58th percentile in word reading skills.
- 04IQRA lessons are designed to fit within regular school hours, requiring minimal additional training for teachers.
- 05The programme has been tested in other countries, including Morocco, Egypt, and Jordan, showing potential benefits for older students as well.
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A recent independent evaluation in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, has highlighted the effectiveness of the IQRA programme in enhancing early Arabic literacy among young learners. Developed by the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation, the programme will be rolled out in private schools starting September 2026 for students in KG1 through Grade 1. The evaluation, conducted by J-PAL MENA, revealed that students participating in IQRA achieved reading gains equivalent to an additional 25% of a school year. This improvement addresses a critical gap in Arabic education, where students often struggle with the transition from spoken Arabic to Modern Standard Arabic used in classrooms.
IQRA's structured approach focuses on phonics, decoding, and reading fluency, making it easier for children to learn. Notably, it was implemented within regular school hours, minimizing disruption to existing timetables. The programme has also shown promise in other countries, suggesting its scalability across the region. Natasha Ridge, Executive Director of the Al Qasimi Foundation, emphasized the importance of evidence-based teaching methods in improving literacy outcomes for both native and non-native Arabic speakers.
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The IQRA programme aims to significantly improve Arabic literacy among young students in Ras Al Khaimah, providing a structured approach that benefits both native and non-native speakers.
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