This podcast is created and hosted entirely by students
What happens when students are given the microphone and the freedom to lead the conversation?
At Aldar Education, the answer is Fi Darna Sawalef (Conversations in Our Home), the UAE’s first student-led podcast created, hosted, and delivered entirely in Arabic.
Designed to empower young voices while strengthening cultural identity, the new initiative gives students the opportunity to explore topics that matter to their generation – from technology and AI to family values, education, and future ambitions – all through authentic Arabic dialogue.
More than simply a podcast, Fi Darna Sawalef reflects a growing movement within UAE education to help students become confident communicators, critical thinkers, and active contributors to society. By shifting students from passive consumers of content to creators of it, the initiative places real-world skills and meaningful self-expression at the centre of learning.
Speaking about the launch, Sahar Cooper, CEO of Aldar Education, said: “In an era defined by rapid digital transformation and the accelerating influence of AI, we believe the most impactful investment we can make is to empower our students to own their voice – one that is confident, informed, and deeply rooted in their cultural identity.”
She added that the podcast is designed not only to strengthen students’ Arabic language skills, but also to connect them to the conversations shaping the UAE’s future.
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The initiative also builds on a wider commitment across Aldar Education schools to elevate Arabic learning in engaging and contemporary ways. According to Hanadi Mustafa, Director of Arabic Language and MOE Curriculum at Aldar Education, the podcast gives students a platform to apply language skills in a way that feels relevant, creative, and purposeful.
Students are involved in every stage of production – from brainstorming and scripting to presenting and recording episodes – helping them build confidence in storytelling, communication, collaboration, and digital media skills along the way.
Produced at Mamoura British Academy’s studio, the podcast features students from schools across the Aldar network, including Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, Yasmina British Academy, Al Bateen World Academy, Yas American Academy, and Noya British School.
For parents, it offers something especially powerful: a reminder that language learning is not only about academics; it is also about confidence, identity, connection, and giving children the tools to share their voice with the world.
Aldar Education YouTube channel can be accessed via: youtube.com
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