Free Arabic classes in Abu Dhabi 2026: Who can apply, how it works and how to register via TAMM

Dubai: Ever wanted to learn Arabic? If you’re in Abu Dhabi, you can sign up for a free Arabic language programme through the official Abu Dhabi government portal – TAMM – and add a new skill to your repertoire. Here’s how it works. What is the programme about? Through the Zayed House for Islamic Culture (ZHIC), an Abu Dhabi-based cultural organisation, the capital is offering a language development programme, titled ‘Enrolment in the Arabic Language Programme for Non-Arabic Speakers’. Through this service, you can request to attend Arabic language courses online, specifically designed for non-native speakers. According to TAMM’s website, the curricula has been developed in collaboration with international universities to meet learners’ needs. How is the programme structured and taught? The courses adopt an innovative teaching approach that connects Arabic letters with their corresponding sounds in the learner’s native language. ZHIC’s website states that it teaches the Arabic language course in the following languages: English, Russian, Mandarin, Tagalog, French and Hindi. The programme is offered in five levels, comprising a total of 80 instructional hours, and focuses on developing reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills through an interactive methodology suitable for both beginners and advanced learners. Who is the course for? In order to enroll for the programme, you must be an Abu Dhabi resident and be able to dedicate five months to the course. Schedule details are provided upon registration. How much does the course cost? The Arabic language programme is free of charge. How do I register? You can register for the classes via the TAMM website or mobile app. Follow the steps below to do so. Register via the TAMM website Log in to the official Abu Dhabi government portal, TAMM, by visiting tamm.abudhabi. Sign in using your UAE PASS. Fill in the application form by including your personal details, contact information, and preferred language of instruction. You will receive course details through email. Complete enrolment once you review the details, by following the instructions provided. Alternatively, you can also visit ZHIC to complete enrolment for the course in person. You will require Microsoft Teams to complete the course online. Once you complete the course, you will receive a certificate of achievement by ZHIC. Register via the TAMM app Download the TAMM – Abu Dhabi Government app via Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Sign in using your UAE PASS. Tap on the 'Services' icon at the bottom of your screen. Next, select the 'Culture and Tourism' category. Navigate to the 'Culture Workshops' section. Tap on the ‘Enrolment in the Arabic Language Programme for Non-Arabic Speakers’ service and tap the ‘Start’ button. Next, choose your preferred time and language for course instruction. You can also toggle the filters to find a class that suits you, and select filters such as language, date, time, and course level, to make your search easier. Once you have picked a class, tap the 'Register' button. Review the course details, including the class code, course name, duration, days, time and contact details. These will be automatically filled in when you register. Scroll to the 'Address Information' section. Enter your area of residence within the emirate of Abu Dhabi (for instance, Al Ain, Al Dhafrah). Next, tap on the 'Submit' button. You will receive a confirmation from TAMM through SMS or email, with course details and a Microsoft Teams link for the online classes. Once you complete the course, you will receive a certificate of achievement by ZHIC.