“The Arabic language is a pillar of the cultural diversity of humanity. It is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, used daily by more than 400 million people”, according to the United Nations.

“Arabic plays a major role in promoting social cohesion, knowledge production and spreading the values of peace and mutual understanding. Its contribution to humanity cannot be reduced to one people, as it is a civilization’s legacy for the entire world.”

For all these reasons and more, there are many and varied reasons why learning Arabic is a powerful move in 2026.

Progress Professionally and Personally When Learning Arabic

 Arabic equips you to tap into a multitude of personal and professional benefits you might never have even thought about, such as: 

• Career and economic advantages – In the long term, there’s high demand across diplomacy, finance, tech and global businesses, coupled with a talent shortage of Arabic speakers. So, learning the language instantly ups your international relevance creds. 

• Cultural and spiritual connection – Yearning for depth? You won’t have to look far for centuries of literature, philosophy, and poetry in their original form, including direct access to the Quran and Islamic scholarly texts. Not to mention richer and less touristy travel experiences than the beaten track. 

• Cognitive and personal growth – Arabic’s structure gives your brain a satisfying workout, future proofing you with strengthened memory and cognitive flexibility, while expanding your worldview far beyond English speaking media bubbles. 

So, Why Not Arabic in 2026?

Ultimately, learning Arabic is a multi-tasking investment in your future. This is because the Arabic language promotes connection, knowledge, and peace. And all these factors contribute to a global legacy belonging to everyone.

At la Academia, we have flexible in person and online Arabic tuition options when you’re ready to start.

Get in touch and you’ll soon be feeling unstoppable with your newfound Arabic mastery to put to good use.

What better way to level up than by learning a new language? And the good news? There’s much more to it than vocab lists (which comes as a ginormous relief to most would-be linguists).

What Makes Language Learning a Supreme Form of Self-Improvement?

Where to even start? Here’s just a few of the fundamental ways learning a language makes you a better version of yourself:

• Boost Your Brainpower – Learning a language is like taking your brain to the gym, minus the sweat. It sharpens your memory. Your brain gets better at storing and retrieving information, and your problem-solving power is heightened as you start to think in new, flexible ways. Plus, there’s long-term protection, because language learning is linked to better brain health as you age. 

• Feel Good Inside and Out – You might not think of language learning as sexy. But what’s more appealing than a confidence boost? Every conversation or new phrase is a mini win. As a result, the dopamine hit lifts your mood and you experience a greater sense of purpose. After all, connecting across cultures feels fabulous. 

• Grow as a Person – New language, new you. Your empathy increases due to a deeper understanding of life in someone else’s shoes. You even become more resilient, as you accept and learn from mistakes as part of the learning process. Not to mention you make new friends when meeting people you’d never have otherwise. 

• Open New Doors – Language learning is self-expansion. Career options multiply. Travel is transformed. And Netflix is so much better in the original language.

Meet Your New Favourite Version of You

French? Spanish? Arabic? Japanese? Something lesser known? Language learning is a love letter to your future self, no matter which tongue ticks your boxes.

At la Academia, we share all languages with hundreds of adult students every year. And we’re here to help. Get in touch to glow up your goals.

According to the Go Oversea’s community’s Raneem Taleb-Agha in her recent The 10 Best Languages to Learn in 2025 article, learning Arabic ranks as one of the most in-demand language pursuits, alongside traditional big hitters like Chinese, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese and Portuguese.

Correspondingly, we’ve been tipping our hats to Arabic on 18^th December every year since 1973, when the United Nations officially celebrated it and World Arabic Language Day was born.

So, what makes Arabic so special?

Learning Arabic is EPIC!

And here’s the headlines:

• It’s a cornerstone of human culture – Arabic is a pillar of cultural diversity, connecting generations through art, literature, and history.

• It’s got global clout – Arabic is a major player on the international stage, and recognised as one of the six official UN languages.

• It’s a strategic superstar – Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) is acknowledged as critically importance in global affairs, opening doors to careers in diplomacy, business, and beyond.

How to Celebrate World Arabic Language Day

If learning Arabic is calling your name, the specific day in its honour is as good a place as any to start:

• Try the basics – Learn to say “Marhaba” (hello) or “Shukran” (thank you).

• Discover its beauty – Marvel at Arabic calligraphy or listen to the language in music and poetry.

• Get inspired – Hollywood’s finest, Colin Farrell and Zoe Saldana, have Arabic tattoos. But you don’t have to go to such extremes! Just have a look at them and learn what they mean.

At la Academia, learning Arabic with us is a fascinating journey, not just a language. Let curiosity be your compass and visit our website for forthcoming courses and private lessons. Who knows? It might be the start of a fantastic voyage.

Where were you born?

Hey there! I’m originally from the UK, but spent 10 amazing years growing up in the UAE. It’s where my passion for teaching Arabic really took off.

Teaching there is all about innovation. They’re always trying out new methods and technology to make learning fun and engaging. And let me tell you, the UAE is bursting with culture and excitement!

Weekends were never dull. My family and I would often head out for hikes in the stunning mountains of Al-Ain, or hit the waves for some kayaking and swimming. Sometimes we’d even venture into the desert for camel or horse-riding adventures!

What’s your favourite custom or tradition?

One thing I absolutely love about the UAE is the spirit of generosity that runs deep in its culture. They’re always giving back to the community, constantly working to develop and uplift it.

It’s incredible how they extend a helping hand to anyone and everyone, no questions asked. This sense of unity and compassion truly binds the hearts of everyone who calls the UAE home.

It sounds heavenly! Where’s your favourite place in the country?

Sharjah is my favourite place! It blends old-world charm and modern vibes, with its beautiful buildings and cosy homes.

What I love most is how it’s such a family-oriented place, brimming with activities that bring everyone together. It’s where memories are made and cherished for a lifetime.

And turning to culture… What film, TV programme, book or music would you recommend to somebody learning the language – and why?

I’d recommend the Arabic TV show “Iftah ya simsim” (Open Sesame). It’s an engaging children’s program that not only entertains but also educates using standard Arabic.

Additionally, for learning Arabic through music, channels like “Karazah” and “OusratunaTV” offer fantastic Arabic learning songs. My granddaughter loves them and is learning and understanding the language through them too!

What advice would you give to somebody thinking about learning Arabic?

Arabic classes are a great way to start your language learning journey. And just like with any language, regular revision is key. So, dedicate at least five minutes every day to reviewing keywords and concepts.

At la Academia, we’re excited to welcome your children to learn Arabic in a safe and conducive environment. Get in touch for more information and prepare to watch them thrive and grow in Warka’s dynamic classes.

Teaching languages is a very specific skill. So, even if you’re highly satisfied with your child’s (and you own) results in other subjects, it doesn’t mean guaranteed success in their Arabic GCSE.

Why? Well, if you’re a native Arabic speaker or you’ve become fluent during the course of your life, you might be too close to the language. And this can be a massive obstacle to passing it on to your intrepid young pupil/s.

So, why not enlist expert external help if you’re hoping to submit them as external candidates in 2024? It might just plug the gap that you’re struggling to fill, achieving more progress in less time and less stressfully for both of you.

Why Enlist a Language School to Help with Arabic GCSE?

The decision to send your child to a language school isn’t an easy one to make. But there are several good reasons to give it serious thought:

• Engaging and Interactive Learning – Fun and interactive classes are the ideal launchpad for boosting your child’s learning and their confidence levels, standing them in good stead when their time comes to apply to universities and for jobs in the future.

• Cultural Appreciation – A good Arabic GCSE course goes beyond traditional classroom learning. The inclusion of appropriate games, films and songs are known to bring language to life for young learners, whilst simultaneously broadening their appreciation of a language’s homeland/s.
  

• Trustworthy Environment – The credentials of any reputable language school speak for themselves. For example, staff should have experience of working with minors, besides passing enhanced CRB checks. This enables you to enrol your child on an Arabic GCSE course with complete peace of mind.

We look forward to welcoming you child to La Academia for the next Arabic GCSE course, designed to prepare students for their exams and equip them to earn higher grades.

Get in touch to your secure their place/s, which are strictly limited and on a first come first served basis:

When?                 Wednesday 1^st March 2023 at 10.00-11.00am
Where?                La Academia in Cheadle
Cost?                   £10.00 per child per hour, payable termly in advance
Teacher?             Warka

Oil? Horses? Coffee? Deserts? Bedouins?

The Arabic language has just got a lot more interesting at La Academia, as we warmly welcome our new Arabic teacher Warka Ali Al Wandawi.

We’ve wasted no time in grabbing her for a chat about what Arabic language students can expect from her committed and unique teaching style.

Q. It’s great to meet you, Warka. First off, the Arabian Peninsula covers a massive area, doesn’t it? So, tell us a bit about where you come from.
A. I lived for over 10 years in the UAE (Dubai and AL-Ain) during my childhood. It’s actually what inspired me to become an Arabic teacher.
The way they teach and the resources they use over there encourages students of all abilities to do well. I’ve always wanted to be a part of that.
Back in my younger days though, nearly every day was adventure filled. It was extremely normal to go to the beach and swim in the ocean after school or go canoeing in a canoe my Dad built from scratch.
I really enjoyed climbing on the sandy and rocky mountains of Al-Ain in the dessert. It was a highlight of my time in the UAE.
I have a love for sport which developed there. I was part of the national volleyball team even though I wasn’t a national.

Q. We expect you’ve missed it a lot during the past 18 months when it’s been more difficult to travel?
A. I haven’t actually had the chance to return since I left. So, I haven’t suffered like many other people. But the UAE will always have a special place in my heart and I yearn to go back one day.

Q. You sound like you had an idyllic childhood there. Is there anything else about the culture that makes it so special for you?
A. I love their generosity and attitude towards life. They always have time for adventures and fun. I also admire the respect, love and care they have for their own country. It really reflects the beauty of the place.

Q. And, of course, the Arabic language played a part in shaping your career?
A. My expertise in Arabic has been fuelled by my passion towards the Arabic language.
I graduated from Salford University with a Masters in law, interpreting and translating, and I also took a PGCE in Arabic teaching at the University of Bolton.
Since 1998, I’ve taught the Arabic language to a range of abilities and nationalities, from nurseries, supplementary schools and primary up to high school and A-Levels. And I tutor in the Arabic language for all ages.
My career has developed in such a way that I feel obliged to spread my passion. So, I’ve adopted creative methods and I’ve even come up with my own tools to teach the Arabic language.

Q. We can’t wait to learn more from you as we get to know each other better. It’s all a bit full on at the moment, settling in to your new role at the start of a busy new term. But, what do you get up to during your down time?
A. I love going to the beach to swim, regardless of the weather, it just makes me happy.
I also enjoy watching action-packed tv series and movies with my family, having barbeques and going for walks.
Watching TikToks on Arabic history is fun.
And I love poetry, so in my free time I write Arabic language songs to teach my students.

At La Academia, we take enormous pride in making ALL languages accessible to our amazing students. To this end, we can’t wait to welcome a new intake of Arabic language students to the school and watch them come on in leaps and bounds in Warka’s classes.

ARABIC FOR ADULTS | Fridays | 10.00am-12.00pm | 6 Weeks | £100 | In school | Beginning Friday 5^th November