Arabic Language classes record enrollment surge amid COVID-19 pandemic: UAE experts

  • Date: 20-Feb-2021
  • Source: Al Arabiya
  • Sector:Education
  • Country:UAE
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Arabic Language classes record enrollment surge amid COVID-19 pandemic: UAE experts

Language schools have recorded a surge in enrollment in Arabic language classesby residents across the GCC, as more people look to upskill following the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the height of the pandemic, Shireen Sinno, director of the Arabic Language Center, a private business established in Dubai 40 years ago, said she witnessed a record rise of interest in learning the mother tongue of the region.

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Enrolments between April and December soared as people utilized more free time, she said.

"The growth in student numbers may be attributed to several factors,“ she told Al Arabiya English. "With remote working, some students had a more flexible schedule that enabled them to carve out some time for learning Arabic.“

As some people lost their jobs at the start of the pandemic, they were unable to continue their studies, according to Sinno.

"Others decided to hone their professional skills, aiming to improve their employment opportunities,“ She added"Knowing a foreign language is usually regarded as an asset by many recruiters, especially when it is the official language of the host country.“

More people also wanted to maintain "normalcy“ by maintaining human interaction with others, said Sinno.

"Particularly during times of confinement that limited opportunities for