The Zai Centre at Zayed University has unveiled its latest cutting-edge addition: the Screening Arabic Reading Difficulties (SARD) tool. This innovative diagnostic tool is designed to detect reading difficulties in young children and is set to revolutionize the way Arabic is taught in schools. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology, SARD identifies learning gaps and provides schools with data to tailor their teaching approach for individual students. Geared towards children in grades 1 to 6, SARD is a cloud-based tool that predicts a range of reading difficulties, including dyslexia, dysgraphia, and spelling disorders, based on speed, accuracy, and processing performance. The tool generates easily understandable analytical reports and charts, empowering teachers to compare students’ performance data with previous assessments and peers at various levels – from age group to grade level, school, country, and global norms.

Several leading education providers in the Emirates have expressed keen interest in participating in the pilot program, with high hopes for its success and widespread adoption of the SARD tool in schools that wish to embrace its potential.

Since its launch in November 2022, Zai Centre has been a trailblazer in innovative Arabic teaching and language preservation. With a mission to identify best practices and empower teachers to instill a passion for the Arabic language in students, while also preserving the rich culture and history of the Arab world, Zai Centre’s impact has been far-reaching. The UAE, a nation that deeply values its cultural heritage, recognizes the significance of promoting and preserving the Arabic language and traditions. SARD, with its potential to strengthen the future of the Arabic language and enhance the learning experience for young people across the UAE, is a significant step towards achieving the national goal of preserving the country’s unique cultural identity for generations to come.