IALC are proud to welcome the Arabic Language Centre (ALC) in Dubai as a new member of the International Association of Language Centres. This exciting addition brings Dubai, one of the most dynamic and vibrant cities in the Middle East, into the respected group of IALC-accredited school locations.
Located in the iconic Sheikh Rashid Tower at the Dubai World Trade Centre, ALC has been a prominent fixture in Dubai’s educational and cultural scene since its founding in 1980.
The Arabic Language Centre is located in the Dubai World Trade Centre, inside the iconic Sheikh Rashid Tower—a place we’ve proudly called home since 1980. Over the span of 45 years, we’ve witnessed Dubai’s extraordinary transformation firsthand. Our long-standing presence here reflects our deep roots in the city’s educational and cultural development. Few institutions can claim such a historic and continuous connection to Dubai’s growth, which makes our location not just prestigious, but symbolic of our commitment to Arabic language education.
Dubai itself is a global hub of innovation, diversity, and opportunity. As a city that bridges East and West, it’s the perfect place to learn Arabic—a language of immense strategic and cultural significance in the region.
The Arabic Language Centre is more than just a school—it’s a legacy built on passion, innovation, and a deep love for the Arabic language. Founded in 1980 by Maliha Wehbe, ALC was created from her belief that Arabic should be taught in a simplified, logical, and interactive way to make it accessible for everyone.
What makes us unique is how we make Arabic come alive. Maliha developed our own teaching method and curriculum, designed to remove unnecessary complexity and reveal the language’s natural logic and beauty. Instead of overwhelming students with grammar rules, we lead them through an intuitive and immersive process that builds confidence and curiosity.
We’re also proud to be a family-run institution, continuing Maliha’s mission with the same warmth and dedication she instilled from day one.
We offer a three-tier learning system—Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced—providing a clear, structured path to fluency for students at any level.
Our most popular course is Beginners I, designed to be easy, engaging, and effective. It gives students a strong foundation in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. From there, Beginners II and III help build on those basics with more real-life practice. Our Intermediate and Advanced courses are ideal for learners looking to deepen their fluency and master more complex grammar and vocabulary.
Whether students are learning for travel, work, or personal growth, Beginners I is the perfect place to start.
Joining IALC is both an achievement and a responsibility. It’s a recognition of the quality we’ve always strived for—and a push to keep evolving. We’re proud to be Dubai’s first and only IALC-accredited Arabic language school, and we see this as just the beginning of a new journey to share Arabic language and culture with a global audience.
What excites us most is being part of a network of educators and learners who share our values. Dubai is a cultural crossroads, and IALC helps us welcome even more students from around the world who are looking for more than just language lessons—they want meaningful, cultural experiences. It also opens the door to collaborations and helps keep us at the forefront of language education.
Many of our students have been coming to ALC for years, which speaks volumes. What they love most is our student-centred approach and the warm, welcoming atmosphere we’ve created.As a family business, we’ve remained true to Maliha’s values, and that spirit can be felt in every classroom. Many of our staff and teachers have been with us for years, forming a close-knit team that naturally extends that sense of family to our students. It’s a place where people feel supported, seen, and inspired.
Yes! To celebrate our IALC membership, we’ve launched exciting Cultural Immersion Programs for both adults and youth. These are designed to go beyond traditional classroom instruction by blending language learning with rich cultural experiences.
Participants take part in intensive Arabic language sessions and enjoy hands-on workshops in calligraphy and traditional arts. We also offer culinary classes, where students learn to prepare authentic local dishes, and organize excursions to cultural landmarks and historical sites—giving learners the chance to practice Arabic in real-life contexts.
For younger learners, our youth programs include fun, age-appropriate excursions and activities that make language learning enjoyable and dynamic. These new offerings reflect our belief that learning Arabic should be both educational and transformative.
“To teach the Arabic language to current and future generations using our methodology to enable students to learn Arabic in a simplified and friendly manner, while appreciating its inherent logic and beautiful cultures.”
As ALC enters this exciting new phase as a member of IALC, its mission remains unchanged: to make Arabic accessible, enjoyable, and deeply connected to the culture from which it comes. With a legacy rooted in excellence and a vision for the future, the Arabic Language Centre continues to shape the way Arabic is taught and experienced—both in Dubai and beyond.
With Dubai now part of the IALC destinations, students can explore the rich culture and language of one of the world’s most exciting and rapidly growing cities. Learn more about studying Arabic at the Arabic Language Centre
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