Gaber Sayah

Head of Arabic

A warm welcome back to the new academic year 2025–26 from the Arabic & Islamic Department!

We are delighted to welcome our students, parents, and staff to a new year of learning, growth, and achievement. The Arabic & Islamic Department at The Winchester School is dedicated to nurturing not only knowledge but also values, identity, and a deep love for our language, culture, and faith.

Our students are at the heart of everything we do — inquisitive, creative, and full of potential. In our department, we strive to provide them with a rich learning environment where they feel inspired, confident, and motivated to excel in Arabic, Islamic Studies, and UAE Social Studies. We believe that students who are secure in their cultural identity and proud of their heritage will flourish academically and personally.

Reflecting on our journey and looking ahead, we are proud to share some of the exciting initiatives and updates for this year:

  1. “Be a GEM”  A new character-building initiative that inspires our students to shine through values, respect, and excellence.
  2. “Read like a GEM.” Encouraging every student to embrace reading as a daily habit, unlocking the treasures of knowledge and creativity.
  3. A strengthened FS2 Arabic & Islamic curriculum, ensuring that our youngest learners start their journey with strong foundations in language, values, and identity.
  4. The continued development of our Quran website to support Muslim students in understanding and memorizing the Holy Quran with clarity and ease.
  5. Launching a termly Arabic & Islamic Magazine that will feature creative writing, student reflections, and educational activities, while also engaging parents in the learning journey.
  6. Ongoing commitment to helping every student speak Classical Arabic confidently and proudly, making it a living language inside and outside the classroom.
  7. Building on the success of the specialized Arabic dictionary for non-Arab students and the updated “I am Creative” book, aligned with the UAE’s vision of innovation and excellence.
  8. Delivery of UAE Social Studies by our Arabic team, connecting language, culture, and heritage in meaningful ways.

At the Arabic & Islamic Department, we believe that education is a partnership between school and home. With your continued support, we aim to instill values of respect, curiosity, and responsibility, ensuring that every child feels valued and empowered.

We look forward to a successful year filled with faith, knowledge, and creativity — a year where every student will truly “Be a GEM, and Read like a GEM.”

Warm regards,

Gaber Sayah
Head of Arabic & Islamic
The Winchester School

Next Steps