Learn Arabic (العربية)

The language of 1.8 billion Muslims, 400M+ speakers, and growing Africa-Gulf commercial ties

Arabic is the official language of 25 countries (across the Middle East, North Africa and parts of the Horn of Africa) and the liturgical language of 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide. For Kenyan students, Arabic opens powerful religious, academic and professional pathways — Quranic studies, university scholarships in the Gulf (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar offer substantial international student funding), careers in Africa-Gulf trade and diplomacy, and Islamic banking and finance. Arabic exists in multiple registers: Modern Standard Arabic (formal/written), Classical/Quranic Arabic (religious), and regional dialects (Egyptian most widely understood, Gulf Arabic for the Arabian Peninsula).

Why learn Arabic

Religious and cultural significance

Arabic is the language of the Quran, Hadith and classical Islamic scholarship. For Muslim students, Arabic enables direct engagement with religious texts rather than reliance on translation.

University scholarships in the Gulf

Saudi Arabia (King Abdullah Scholarship), UAE (various university funding), Qatar (Qatar Foundation) and Turkey (Türkiye Bursları) offer substantial scholarships to African students. Arabic capability — even basic — strengthens applications.

Gulf-Africa career opportunities

UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait have substantial East African worker communities and growing economic ties. Arabic capability commands premium salaries in Gulf-based African professional careers.

IGCSE, A-Level and IB curricula

Arabic offered as IGCSE Arabic (First Language for native, Foreign Language for non-native), A-Level Arabic (Cambridge & Edexcel), IB Arabic (Standard, Higher, ab initio).

Africa connections through Arabic-speaking regions

Egypt, Sudan, Somalia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Comoros, and Mauritania are Arabic-speaking African countries with substantial economic, cultural and religious ties to Kenya.

Who it is for

Levels

Exam preparation

Fees

Frequently asked questions

Which Arabic should I learn?

Depends on goals: (1) Modern Standard Arabic (MSA / Fusha): formal/written Arabic used across the Arab world for academia, media, formal communication. Required for academic and university-level Arabic. (2) Quranic/Classical Arabic: liturgical Arabic for religious texts (Quran, Hadith). (3) Gulf Arabic: spoken dialect across UAE, Saudi, Qatar — useful for living/working in Gulf. (4) Egyptian Arabic: most widely understood dialect (Egyptian media is consumed across Arab world). Most learners start with MSA + one spoken dialect.

Is Arabic difficult for English speakers?

Arabic is rated Category IV by US Foreign Service Institute — among the most challenging languages, alongside Mandarin, Japanese and Korean. Main challenges: Arabic alphabet (different script, right-to-left), complex grammar (verbal patterns, dual number, three-letter root system), pronunciation (some sounds non-existent in English), and the diglossia (MSA vs spoken dialects). However, the three-letter root system means once you learn vocabulary patterns, you can derive related words systematically.

How long until I can read the Quran?

For basic Quranic recitation (reading the Arabic text with correct pronunciation, even without full comprehension): 60-100 hours of focused instruction. For meaningful comprehension of Quranic Arabic: 600-1000+ hours, since classical Arabic vocabulary, grammar and style differ from Modern Standard Arabic. Many Muslim students start with Quranic Arabic specifically and progress to MSA later.

Can I learn Arabic for Gulf scholarships?

Yes — Smartious offers Arabic preparation for students targeting scholarships at Saudi (King Abdullah, Madinah Islamic University), UAE, Qatar (Qatar Foundation) and other Gulf institutions. Most Gulf university scholarships value Arabic capability though many programmes are also offered in English.

Do you offer Quranic Arabic specifically?

Yes — we offer Quranic Arabic as a specific focus, particularly for Muslim students wanting to engage directly with religious texts. The course emphasises Quranic vocabulary, classical grammar structures, and Tajweed (proper recitation pronunciation). Different from MSA but builds toward it.

Can I learn Arabic for IGCSE or IB?

Yes — we offer IGCSE Arabic (First or Foreign Language), A-Level Arabic, and IB Arabic (Standard, Higher, ab initio). Following Cambridge, Edexcel or IBO syllabus requirements.

What's the Arabic alphabet learning curve?

The Arabic alphabet has 28 letters that change form depending on position in the word (beginning, middle, end, isolated). Most learners can read Arabic text mechanically (sound out the letters) within 20-30 hours of focused instruction. Reading fluency develops over months of practice. Writing is similar — basic writing in 20-30 hours, fluent handwriting over months.

What about Arabic numerals and dates?

Arabic uses Hindu-Arabic numerals (0-9) globally, same as English. However, Arabic-speaking countries also use a different set of digits (٠١٢٣٤٥٦٧٨٩) called "Arabic-Indic" numerals — these appear in some Arabic texts and websites. We teach both. Date formats vary by country.

Can children learn Arabic?

Yes — children typically acquire Arabic pronunciation and rhythm more naturally than adults, particularly for the harder Arabic sounds. Many Muslim parents prioritise early Quranic Arabic for religious education. We offer age-appropriate Arabic programmes for children from age 5+.

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