Abu Dhabi: Zayed University has launched the ZAI Platform, a digital hub aimed at advancing Arabic language education through innovative tools and resources for teachers, students, and researchers. The unveiling took place at a significant event attended by notable figures such as Aisha Miran, Director-General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, Prof. Michael Allen, Acting Vice President, Dr. Nadia Bhuiyan, Provost and Chief Academic Officer, and members of the Board of Trustees of Zayed University.
According to Emirates News Agency, the ZAI Platform supports educators with curated content and practical tools to enhance learning outcomes, furthering Zayed University’s commitment to improving Arabic literacy and pedagogy. Key features of the platform include tools such as SARD (Smart Arabic Reading Diagnostic Tool), which helps educators diagnose students’ reading abilities to support personalized learning and early intervention. The BAREC (Balanced Arabic Readability Corpus) readability evaluat
ion tool ensures teaching materials align with diverse literacy levels, utilizing a corpus of 10 million words from a broad range of literary genres and topics.
Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrui, Minister of Community Development and Chair of Zayed University’s Board of Trustees, highlighted the initiative’s significance, stating, “The ZAI Platform embodies Zayed University’s unwavering commitment to pioneering excellence and leadership in education. The Arabic language is not just a medium of expression; it is the heartbeat of our identity. It is our collective duty to empower educators and inspire students, equipping them to be guardians of their Arabic heritage, ready to shine in an ever-connected world.”
The development of the ZAI Platform has been a collaborative effort supported by partners across the UAE. The Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) is backing the creation of the first Arabic Phonics Program, while the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, in partnership with NYU Abu Dhabi, has contribute
d to advancing the BAREC tool.
Dr. Hanada Taha Thomure, Endowed Chair of Arabic Language at Zayed University, emphasized the platform’s role in education, stating, “At the heart of every successful learning journey are great teachers. The ZAI Platform is an essential tool for all those teachers to enable them to foster literacy, nurture critical thinking, and inspire students to embrace the richness of the Arabic language. We all have a role to play in transferring and promoting our linguistic heritage and culture to the next generations.”
This platform marks a significant step in transforming how Arabic is taught and learned, empowering educators and students with accessible tools to unlock their potential and foster a lifelong connection to the Arabic language.
