New Al Shamkha Branch Supports UAE’s ‘Year of the Community’ and Deepens Arabic and Islamic Education

4 March 2025; Abu Dhabi, UAE – British Orchard Nursery (BON), the UAE’s leading early childhood education provider, has opened its fifth branch in Abu Dhabi, located in Al Shamkha. With this expansion, BON now operates 36 branches across the UAE and the UK, continuing its mission of providing high-quality early years education while nurturing local identity and values. The opening aligns with the UAE’s ‘Year of the Community’ initiative, reinforcing BON’s commitment to strengthening family bonds, celebrating cultural heritage, and fostering inclusive learning environments.

Inaugurating the new British Orchard Nursery branch in Abu Dhabi, the Chief Guest, Ms. Muna Ibrahim Al Mulla, Head of Employee Welfare Unit at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD), expressed her appreciation for the preschool’s growth and commitment to early childhood education.

'I congratulate the British Orchard Nursery team on the opening of another wonderful facility. They have been expanding as a preschool, and I am delighted to see their continued progress in providing high-quality learning experiences for young children. Their efforts not only support early childhood development but also offer peace of mind to mothers, knowing that their little ones are in a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment. I wish them continued success and look forward to welcoming them to the ADJD premises.'

“Our nurseries are more than just learning spaces—they are communities where children grow, connect, and develop a sense of belonging,” said Dr. Vandana Gandhi, CEO and Founder of British Orchard Nursery. “Education is about shaping the future, and at BON, we believe in preparing children not just academically but also culturally. That’s why we have integrated Arabic, Islamic studies, special and gifted needs and the UAE cultural values deep into our curriculum—to ensure young learners embrace their roots and talent while being prepared for a global future.”

As part of its commitment to fostering bilingualism and cultural appreciation from an early age, BON has enhanced its Arabic and Islamic education programs across all branches. This initiative aligns with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority’s (KHDA) recent mandate for Arabic language learning in early childhood settings.

“Our curriculum naturally incorporates Arabic language learning through interactive and engaging methods,” explained Dr. Gandhi. “We recognize that children come from diverse linguistic backgrounds, so we tailor our approach—introducing Arabic and other languages such as French, Mandarin etc through play-based activities, storytelling, and music for younger learners, while gradually building structured reading and writing skills in FS1 and FS2.”

BON has collaborated with many UAE government departments to establish in-house nurseries, including RTA, DEWA, DM, and Mubadala, to name a few. It also applauds the vision of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai and KHDA in planning a new concept and selecting BON to operate both their and the UAE’s first Arabic and Islamic nursery, reinforcing BON's role as a leader in culturally immersive early education. Beyond the classroom, the nursery offers cultural experiences such as heritage site visits and hands-on projects, helping children connect with their traditions in meaningful ways.

Since its inception, British Orchard Nursery has remained dedicated to creating a nurturing, high-quality learning environment that fosters holistic development having received numerous awards and ISO certifications.

As the UAE’s largest and most awarded nursery chain, BON blends the UK’s EYFS curriculum with Arabic and Islamic studies, ensuring children receive a well-rounded education that balances tradition with innovation.

Dr. Gandhi further emphasized the nursery’s commitment to supporting working mothers and the nation’s long-term vision: “We believe that learning should be natural, engaging, and developmentally appropriate, and we are excited to continue shaping the future of early years education in the UAE. Our aim has always been to support communities and societies by ensuring that working mothers—especially Emirati women—feel at ease, knowing their children are learning, thriving, and receiving the best care. By empowering women and having a strong presence in various communities, we are enabling the female workforce to flourish and contributing to the development of future leaders. In doing so, we help build the nation and lay the foundation for long-term success.”

British Orchard Nursery’s ongoing mission is to create successful communities. Their teacher training centers, nanny training and parenting seminars and engagement programs are a testament to this vision. The nursery is continuously exploring partnerships with both public and private sectors to bring its services closer to working parents across the UAE.