French has held court for many years as the foreign language taught in UAE schools with Spanish and German following behind as alternatives. For many, Mandarin Chinese has been viewed as too difficult, perhaps too culturally distant, even in this multicultural environment. However, times and attitudes are most definitely changing.

While the dominance of Mandarin as a foreign language in international schools globally has been steadily increasing since the early 2000s, the rise of the language being taught in UAE schools has been more recent. International schools in the emirates that have boldly placed Mandarin as part of their core curriculum are reaping the rewards, with growing enthusiasm from parents eager to equip their children for the global job market.

Mandarin’s Rise in International Schools

The teaching of Mandarin in international schools worldwide has seen a steady and significant rise over the past 25 years. In international schools across Asia particularly, where proximity and regional relevance make it an obvious choice, Mandarin has shifted from an extra-curricular to a mainstream language option.

International schools in the UAE are now following suit, with an increasing number now offering the language as part of the core curriculum, for children as young as three-years-old.

Additionally, these schools are not simply teaching the Chinese language in isolation; many are exposing students to Chinese cultural practices, traditions and folklore, providing context for students learning the language. 

Lunar New Year celebrations at Nord Anglia International School Dubai

We asked Head of Global Languages at Sunmarke School, Mrs Fiona McConnan, about the school’s rationale for investing so heavily in providing Mandarin as a foreign language:

"China's rising global influence – economically, politically, and culturally – makes learning Mandarin one of the most valuable skills for preparing our students for the future job market."

This educational move in the UAE specifically is perhaps not surprising when considering the increased economic ties and trade between China in the UAE as well as the popularity of the UAE for Chinese tourists.

Indeed, the UAE's Ministry of Education introduced a Chinese language programme in UAE public schools in 2006, with more than 150 schools now participating in the project. The Ministry has set a target of 300 public schools providing Mandarin as a foreign language to Emirati students by 2030. 

While the UAE's private international schools have not jumped on this trend in such large numbers, the huge investment put into quality Mandarin language provision in some key schools – as well as the popularity of these programmes in terms of numbers of students electing to learn the language – speaks volumes . 

Which Dubai schools are standing out?

Which schools have invested in Mandarin language provision and are providing a quality programme as part of their modern languages offering?

While a broader number of Dubai schools offer Mandarin language as an extra-curricular or mother-tongue programme for heritage speakers, a shorter list have selected Mandarin as one of their core global language options, taught as part of the mainstream curriculum.

We've picked out the top Dubai schools that are truly delivering in this area. 

Nord Anglia International School Dubai

Nord Anglia International School Dubai

With nearly 400 pupils from Year 1 to Year 13 diving into the world’s most spoken language, NAS Dubai's Mandarin programme is meticulously structured to cater to all levels, from complete beginners to heritage speakers. Students progress through a clear academic pathway, with options to sit IGCSEs as a foreign, first, or second language, and take the language further through the International Baccalaureate at both Ab Initio and Language B (Standard and Higher) levels. 

NAS Dubai is also the only international school in the UAE officially certified to host the HSK and YCT exams—China’s gold standard for Mandarin proficiency testing. Starting from Year 3 (with the YCT) and progressing to the HSK in secondary years, students test their listening, speaking, reading, and writing against international benchmarks like the CEFR. Add in the school’s collaboration with the Confucius Institute and Think First Education Dubai, and you’re looking at a programme that’s not just about language learning – it’s about cultural fluency, academic rigour, and an impressive addition to any university application.

Raffles International School

Raffles International School

Mandarin is integrated into the core curriculum alongside French and Spanish from Year 3 at Raffles International School (RIS). Students receive two 50-minute lessons per week throughout the Primary years (Years 3 to 6). This early introduction lays a strong foundation in language acquisition, enabling students to develop basic proficiency and an understanding of Chinese culture in a structured and supportive environment. In Secondary School, the programme becomes more intensive, with students attending three 55-minute lessons per week.

From Year 9 onwards, learners have the option to pursue the Cambridge IGCSE Mandarin course in Years 10 and 11. This course equips students with essential language skills and cultural insights, culminating in an internationally recognised qualification. For advanced learners, Mandarin is also available at A-Level, providing further academic challenge and preparation for higher education or global career pathways. 

Sunmarke School

Traditional Chinese dance at Sunmarke School

In February 2024, Sunmarke launched its Mandarin Academy – opened by Minister Zhou Biao from the Chinese Embassy – which now supports over 550 students and delivers a broad programme of language and cultural enrichment.

The school has made a bold and deliberate investment in Mandarin, currently offering the language as an alternative to French in EYFS and Primary. Students also sit the Youth Chinese Test to benchmark their progress.

Mandarin will be extended into lower secondary and the IB from the 2025-26 academic year, with full-school provision the year after.

Mandarin culture is brought vividly to life through integration into class topics, with topics such as terracotta warriors, dragon dance, Chinese drums and traditional painting. Students frequently perform at prestigious events and enjoy a full calendar of celebrations tied to Chinese festivals.

Hartland International School

Hartland International School

At Hartland International School Dubai, Mandarin is offered as a core foreign language options, starting from Year 4 through Year 6, alongside French, Spanish, and German. In the secondary phase, students select two languages from these options, and in Year 9, they specialise in one as they prepare for the GCSE. The language programmes aim to develop proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing, while also enhancing global and cultural awareness. 

To further enrich the Mandarin program, Hartland has partnered with the Chinese Language Institute (CLI) Dubai. This collaboration offers additional Mandarin courses, including two levels of instruction. The initiative also includes cultural enrichment activities, such as exchange programs with schools in China, allowing students to practice their language skills and experience Chinese culture firsthand.