WRITTEN BY
Nord Anglia
11 August, 2025

Mandarins Rise in International Schools And How NAS Dubai is Leading the Way

Mandarins Rise in International Schools And How NAS Dubai is Leading the Way - Mandarins Rise in International Schools And How NAS Dubai is Leading the Way
Mandarins Rise in International Schools And How NAS Dubai is Leading the Way

Once considered too complex or too far removed culturally, Mandarin is now being recognised for what it truly is: a gateway to global opportunity. With over 1 billion native speakers, it’s the most spoken language in the world and a powerful asset for students stepping into an increasingly interconnected world.

That’s why we’re incredibly proud that NAS Dubai has been recognised by WhichSchoolAdvisor as a standout school for Mandarin language learning in the UAE.

So what makes our programme different?

At NAS Dubai, Mandarin isn’t just an afterthought or an optional extra; it’s a core part of our global languages offering. With nearly 400 students from Year 1 to Year 13 actively engaged in learning Mandarin, we’ve built a programme that’s structured, ambitious, and inclusive of all learners, from absolute beginners to heritage speakers.

Here’s what sets us apart:

A clear academic pathway: Students can sit IGCSE Mandarin as a foreign, first, or second language, and continue through the IB Diploma Programme, choosing Ab Initio or Language B (Standard or Higher).

Official exam centre status: NAS Dubai is the only international school in the UAE certified to host both HSK and YCT exams, the gold standard for assessing Mandarin proficiency, aligned with the CEFR framework.

Early exposure, lasting impact: Students begin formal assessment in Year 3, setting them up for long-term language confidence across all four skills, listening, speaking, reading and writing.

Real-world connections: Our partnership with the Confucius Institute and Think First Education Dubai means students aren’t just learning Mandarin, they’re engaging with Chinese culture, history and contemporary life in meaningful ways.

More than a language, it’s a future skill

As global job markets evolve, the ability to communicate across languages and cultures becomes more valuable than ever. Parents today are looking beyond traditional options and asking: What language will truly prepare my child for the world of tomorrow?

Mandarin, once seen as a bold choice, is now a strategic one, and we’re proud to be a school where that choice is supported by excellence, passion and results.

At NAS Dubai, we believe in creating learners who are curious, open-minded, and globally aware. Our Mandarin programme is one more way we’re preparing students to shine on any stage, whether that’s a university campus, a global company, or simply the world at large.