A bilingual nursery uses more than one language as part of a child’s normal day. For families in Abu Dhabi, that usually means Arabic and English. This guide explains how bilingual nurseries work, why families choose them, and what to check before you decide. We are Bright Beginnings, so we also explain how we teach languages and where our bilingual classes run.
What is a bilingual nursery?
In a bilingual nursery, two languages are used through the day: at greetings, story time, snack time and play. That is different from a weekly language lesson, where a child hears a second language for half an hour and then goes back to English. Ask any nursery which of the two it offers.
Why families choose a bilingual nursery
Language learning starts early. Young children pick up the sounds and rhythm of a language easily when they hear it every day. Mixing two languages in one sentence is a normal stage, not a sign of delay. Our guide bilingual babies: your questions answered by a speech and language therapist covers this in more detail.
A connection to Emirati and Arab culture. Arabic at nursery gives children, whether Emirati or from elsewhere, everyday contact with the language and culture of the country they live in.
A smoother start at school. Arabic is taught as a school subject across Abu Dhabi. A child who has heard and used Arabic at nursery is not starting from zero.
The best time to start
Children under three are curious about everything, and a new language is one more thing to explore. Learning a second language alongside the first feels natural to them, and they are happy to try, and to get things wrong, without worrying about it. The earlier a language is introduced, the easier it is for a child to copy its sounds from people who speak it fluently.
Learning two languages does not cause delay or confusion, as people once believed. Young children keep each language separate and quickly learn to switch to suit the person they are talking to. In our classrooms, children change language straight away for the teacher in front of them. Growing up with more than one language also helps children appreciate living in a diverse, multicultural city like Abu Dhabi.
Bilingual, English-only or Arabic-only?
| Feature | Bilingual nursery | English-only nursery | Arabic-only nursery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main language of the day | Two or more | English | Arabic |
| Arabic exposure | Daily or regular | Varies, often a weekly lesson | Daily |
| English exposure | Daily or regular | Daily | Varies |
| Suits families who | Want both languages in a mixed class | Plan an English-medium school | Plan an Arabic-medium school |
None of these is better in every case. It depends on the school you plan to move to and what your family speaks at home.
How we teach languages at Bright Beginnings
English is our main language. Arabic, French and Spanish are part of the week for every age group, taught through immersion: greetings, songs, counting, colours and everyday objects in each language, linked to what the children are doing that day.
Our Mushrif nursery runs bilingual classrooms in Arabic and English and in French and English. Ask your nearest nursery which bilingual places are available. You can read more about language learning and our Emirati classroom.
Our curriculum is built on the UK Early Years Foundation Stage and Australia’s Early Years Learning Framework, delivered through play. See how we learn. Staff are approved by ADEK for their roles and hold first aid or basic life support training. We have cared for children in Abu Dhabi since 2005, from 4 weeks to four years of age.
Eight things to check when choosing a bilingual nursery
- Licence. Ask to see the nursery’s current ADEK licence for the branch your child would attend.
- Staff. Ask how many staff are ADEK-approved for their role, and what training they have.
- Languages in practice. Ask which languages are used each day, by whom, and in which classes.
- Native speakers. Ask whether Arabic and other languages are taught by fluent speakers.
- Curriculum. Ask how the languages fit into the planned curriculum.
- Ratios. Ask the adult-to-child ratio in the room you visit.
- Progress. Ask how the nursery tracks your child’s language development and shares it with you.
- A visit. Go at a busy time and listen to how the staff speak to the children.
Our guide to how to choose a nursery in Abu Dhabi goes through the wider checklist.
Visit our nurseries
We have nurseries in Saadiyat, Mushrif and Mehairba. Each page has the address, hours, phone number and map. Book a nursery tour at the one nearest you.
Frequently asked questions
What ages do you take?
From 4 weeks to four years.
Which languages do you teach?
English is our main language. Arabic, French and Spanish are part of the week for every age group.
Which nursery has bilingual classrooms?
Our Mushrif nursery runs Arabic and English and French and English bilingual classrooms. Ask your nearest nursery which places are available.
Does Bright Beginnings follow the British curriculum?
We use the UK Early Years Foundation Stage alongside Australia’s Early Years Learning Framework. See our guide to British nurseries in Abu Dhabi.
How much are the fees?
Fees depend on the number of days and pick-up times, so we do not publish them. Ask on a tour. Fees are billed termly and cover tuition only.
Are your staff ADEK-approved?
Yes, for their roles. Ask any branch to show you its licence on your visit.
Book a tour
The best way to see bilingual learning is to visit. Book a nursery tour, read what parents say, or look at our FAQ.
