Gateway to Arabic (NEW)

Gateway to Arabic

Your Journey to Arabic Mastery & Saudi Cultural Readiness

Gateway to Arabic is a flagship initiative by the Institute for Language Advancement (IfLA), IIUM, developed in collaboration with Iqra Arabia, Umm Al-Qura University.

Whether you are seeking rigorous academic language progression or looking to build practical communication confidence for travel, Umrah, or work in Saudi Arabia, our pathway is tailored to guide you every step of the way.

Complimentary VIP Connectivity

Receive a SIM card with a package for calls and internet

Visit over 15 Holy Landmarks

Join educational and cultural tours to the most significant religious and historical landmarks in Makkah and Madinah

Personalised Quranic Mentorship

Attend Quran sessions at the Holy Mosque and improve your recitation and develop your linguistic skills

Curated Cultural & Social Retreats

Enjoy diverse experiences outside the academic learning environment and integrate into the local community

A practical, non-academic preparatory and exposure programme focused on cultural adaptation, environmental familiarity, and basic survival communication.

Suitable for:

Umrah and Hajj pilgrims.
First-time travelers and tourists to Saudi Arabia.
Busy corporate professionals or families seeking general survival navigation skills and cultural confidence.

Non-Level & Experiential

Focused on practical, real-life situational simulations, travel logistics, Saudi social etiquette, and conversational confidence.
Does not count toward formal academic level advancement.

Fixed Term

10 weeks total.
2 instructional hours per week (Total of 20 instructional hours).
Makkah Immersion: 1 month

A practical, non-level-based preparatory experience for immediate travel, business, or pilgrimage.

Format: 10-week local module (2 hours per week).
Contact Hours: 20 instructional contact hours.
Local Tuition: RM 450.
Immersion Tuition: USD 1,100
Global Pathway Enrollment Fee: USD 15.
Total Pathway Fees: RM 450 (Local Tuition) + USD 1,100 (Immersion Tuition) + USD 15 (Pathway Enrollment).

Entry Requirement

Programme Calendar

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.

2026 Intake Schedule

Term 1: 12 September 2026 – 14 November 2026
Term 2: To be confirmed

Detailed class schedules will be announced prior to each term, subject to academic planning and enrolment numbers.