Dubai: UAE-based sociologist Dr Rima Sabban says a large number of Arabs and Emiratis are unable to write, read and speak Arabic.
"This generation is the result of the school system, mostly students of private schools who did not pay much attention to Arabic," she said.
Dr Sabban said a shortage of public schools has forced many Emiratis and residents to send their children for a private education.
Bilingual
Dr Sabban said: "The 'profit-driven' schools have failed to develop a bilingual curriculum. They have instead focused on the needs of the market, largely made up of expatriates who see English as the most important language.
"The problem is growing faster than the Ministry of Education [can handle]. The market is becoming the driving force of education and it is driving the country into losing its language and possibly its identity."
Page last updated 01 January 2020