In a significant move to bolster the Arabic language and educational standards in the UAE, **Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi**, Founder and CEO of Kalimat Group, officially inaugurated the third edition of the **Horouf & Kalimat – Early Childhood Literacy Conference 2026**. Held at ERTH Abu Dhabi, this marks the first time the prestigious event has been hosted in the UAE capital since its inception.
At **Business Promotion24**, we recognize this conference as a landmark event for the region’s educational landscape, bringing together global experts to reshape how the next generation connects with their mother tongue.
### A Strategic Vision for Arabic Literacy
Organized by **Kalimat Group** in strategic partnership with the **National Academy for Childhood Development**, the conference enjoys high-level support from the Ministry of Education and IFA Hotels & Resorts. Education partners include the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) and the ZAI Centre for Arabic Language Research at Zayed University.
Running from October 30th to November 1st, the conference features an impressive lineup of 50 academics, researchers, and educators. The program is packed with four keynote presentations, 14 panel discussions, and 13 interactive workshops designed to bridge the gap between academic research and classroom practice.
### Strengthening Cultural Identity
In her opening address, Sheikha Bodour emphasized that empowering children through the Arabic language is a matter of “cultural security.” She noted, “Our success is measured not only by how well children know their letters and words but by the relationship we build between them and their language.”
This vision aligns perfectly with the UAE’s **Year of the Family**, as sessions explore how shared reading and everyday activities can foster language development. The conference highlights the importance of identity, ensuring children remain connected to their roots while engaging confidently with the world.
### Key Highlights and The Science of Reading
A standout feature of the 2026 edition is the intensive, 18-hour certified course in the **Science of Reading**. Designed for kindergarten and Grade 1 teachers, this course utilizes neuroscience research to provide practical strategies for teaching children how to read and comprehend more effectively.
**The conference focuses on four primary pillars:**
1. **Teacher Training:** Enhancing instructional methods in the classroom.
2. **Leadership and Policy:** Shaping the future of educational governance.
3. **Community Involvement:** Strengthening the link between home and school.
4. **Content Quality:** Improving the standard of Arabic children’s books.
### Collaborative Success
Dr. Meera Al Kaabi, Acting President of the National Academy for Childhood Development, highlighted that investing in early literacy is essential for lifelong learning. The opening ceremony also featured a high-level panel discussion on the UAE’s role in supporting Arabic education, featuring leaders from Dubai’s KHDA and Abu Dhabi’s ADEK.
As **Business Promotion24** continues to monitor the growth of the UAE’s knowledge economy, the Horouf & Kalimat Conference stands out as a beacon of progress. By fostering collaboration between government authorities, educators, and families, the event ensures that the Arabic language remains at the heart of the UAE’s future.
With over 1,200 participants in previous editions, the 2026 Abu Dhabi edition is set to leave a lasting impact on the cognitive and linguistic development of children across the nation.
