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A Premier Arabic Language Journey: From IIUM to Makkah
The Gateway to Arabic 2026 is a flagship program organized by the Institute for Language Advancement (IfLA), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), in collaboration with Iqra Arabia, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah.
This structured, long-term program is designed specifically for adult learners—including retirees, professionals, and lifelong learners—who seek a credible academic pathway combined with a transformative, immersive cultural experience.
The Makkah Experience
Participants in the A2-2 and B2-2 intakes will benefit from a comprehensive immersive package provided in Saudi Arabia
The Gateway to Arabic programme is open to the public and welcomes learners from diverse educational backgrounds.
No prior formal qualification in Arabic is required for entry at the elementary level.
Prospective participants are required to sit for a placement test prior to commencement. This ensures appropriate level placement and allows qualified candidates to skip levels based on demonstrated proficiency.
Admission decisions are made to support effective learning progression and academic readiness.
Each level of the programme is carefully structured to balance academic rigour with participant flexibility.
Each level: 40 hours
Structure: 20 sessions × 2 hours per session
Total Programme Duration:
8 levels × 40 hours = 320 contact hours
The modular design allows participants to progress level by level according to their learning pace and availability.
2026 Intake Schedule
- Term 1: 26 April 2026 – 9 July 2026
Term 2: 12 September 2026 – 14 November 2026
Detailed class schedules will be announced prior to each term, subject to academic planning and enrolment numbers.
The programme spans two years, divided into eight progressive intakes. Each intake is designed to move you closer to fluency.
Year 1: Building Foundations
- Intake 1 (A1-1): 10 weeks at IIUM Gombak / Online.
- Intake 2 (A1-2): 10 weeks at IIUM Gombak / Online.
- Intake 3 (A2-1): 10 weeks at IIUM Gombak / Online.
- Intake 4 (A2-2): 4-week Immersive Study in Makkah with Iqra Arabia.
Year 2: Intermediate Proficiency
- Intake 1 (B1-1): 10 weeks at IIUM Gombak / Online.
- Intake 2 (B1-2): 10 weeks at IIUM Gombak / Online.
- Intake 3 (B2-1): 10 weeks at IIUM Gombak / Online.
- Intake 4 (B2-2): 4-week Immersive Study in Makkah with Iqra Arabia.
The programme adopts a transparent, per-level fee structure to provide flexibility and accessibility for learners.
Classes in IIUM Gombak, Malaysia
Fee per level: RM900
Total (5 levels): RM900 × 6 = RM5,400
Classes in Iqra Arabia, Saudi Arabia
- USD 1,500 (Flight tickets not included)
Important Notes:
Fees are calculated based on the number of levels undertaken by the participant.
Participants who qualify to skip levels through the placement test will only be charged for the levels attended.
Why Choose Gateway to Arabic?
✓ Master Practical Communication – Develop the ability to communicate effectively in everyday Arabic.
✓ Connect with Classical Texts – Read Qur’anic and classical Arabic texts with greater ease and understanding.
✓ Structured Progression – A CEFR-aligned pathway (A1–B2) ensuring systematic linguistic growth.
✓ International Certification – Receive a recognised Certificate of Completion at the end of the course.
✓ Makkah Immersion – Enhance your learning with a high-value, one-month study component in the heart of the Arabic-speaking world.