Raising a Bilingual Child in the UAE: Reading in Arabic and English

Many families in the UAE speak Arabic with grandparents, English at nursery or school, and a mix of both at home. If you are raising a bilingual child in the UAE, you may wonder how to make reading in Arabic and English feel natural rather than like extra homework.

There is no single right method. These ideas are a calm starting point that you can adjust to your own family.

1. Keep It Playful, Not Like a Lesson

Children often pick up a language more happily when it is attached to something enjoyable. A funny voice for the wolf, a pause before the page turns, a guess about what happens next: these matter more than getting every word right.

If your child mixes both languages in one sentence, that is common in bilingual homes. You can simply carry on the story.

2. Read the Same Story in Both Languages

One easy idea is to read a story they already love in one language, then in the other on another day. Because they know the plot, they can concentrate on the new words and may enjoy spotting what they recognise.

Talk about the pictures in both languages too. Naming a car, a dinosaur or a moon in Arabic and then in English can be a game in itself.

3. Build a Small Bedtime Routine

Bedtime is a natural moment for stories. You might read in one language on some nights and the other on different nights, or share the same short story in both. Keep it short and relaxed; ten calm minutes you both enjoy can be better than a long session that ends in tears.

4. Choose Books Your Child Cares About

The topic usually matters more than the language. Cars, animals, dinosaurs, helpers in the community, counting or the seasons: start with what makes your child talk. Look for clear pictures and text that suits their age, and do not worry if the Arabic or English version feels a little harder at first.

5. Let Your Child Choose the Language

Offering a choice, such as "Arabic tonight or English?", gives your child some control and often reduces resistance. If they keep choosing one language, that is fine. Keep the other one around in a relaxed way, through songs, family conversations and the occasional story, and try again another day.

6. Read Together, Even When They Can Read Alone

Shared reading helps keep both languages in daily life. Take turns reading pages, or let your child read the language they feel more confident in while you read the other.

Where a Personalized Story Can Fit

A story that includes your child may give them another reason to come back to it in either language. Liloxi offers personalized children's storybooks with your child's name and photo, with themes such as a magical car, dinosaurs, firefighters and counting. The shop is available in English and Arabic, so you can browse in the language you prefer.

Choose a story for your child's age, upload a clear photo and add their name to see an instant free preview before paying. Once you approve it, you can order the printed book, delivered across the UAE. Check each story's page for the language options available.

Is It Okay If My Child Prefers One Language?

Yes. Many bilingual children lean towards one language for a while, depending on friends, school and what they hear most. Keep reading time warm and low-pressure, and keep both languages present in everyday life. If you have questions about your child's language development, a teacher or specialist can give advice that fits your child.

When you are ready to look for stories to share, you can browse all Liloxi stories.