Arabic Summer School – Makkah
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Arabic Summer School 2025
Al-Salam Institute is pleased to announce its four-week bespoke Arabic Summer School. The programme will begin with two weeks of live online teaching, followed by just over two weeks of in-person classes in Makkah. Students will have the opportunity to perform ʿUmrah and benefit from the teaching and company of Shaykh Akram Nadwi throughout the programme.
The Arabic Summer School has been designed for students to improve their applied Arabic skills (fusha) and benefit from an immersive environment. Students who have attended in the past have greatly improved their conversational Arabic, including listening and speaking skills, which in turn has also strengthened their reading and writing skills. Fifteen days spent in Makkah will allow our students to not only study the language but also consistently practise and reinforce their learning outside the classroom. This is an incredible opportunity for all of those able to attend.
This residential programme has been designed to remain as affordable as possible while placing greater emphasis on meaningful companionship and Arabic conversational practice, rather than luxury accommodation or purely textual study. A key change this year is that our on-campus accommodation has been upgraded to a comfortable 4-star hotel. This replaces the previous setup of unserviced on-campus dorms. Students may still opt for their own accommodation by selecting the off-campus package.
The programme comprises three levels tailored to students’ proficiency in Arabic. This ensures accessibility for beginners embarking on their Arabic journey, as well as those aiming to advance their language skills.
Like all our programmes, this course is open to both male and female students. We have a maximum capacity of 40 students on this programme, so we recommend students secure their place as soon as they can.
Course Dates:
Dates: 28th July – 6th August 2025.
Classes will be held on weekday evenings and weekend mornings.
Duration: 10 days
Dates: 9th August – 24th August 2025
Classes: the programme will include an average of 4 hours of structured teaching each morning, 5 days a week, with additional evening classes arranged from time to time. It will also feature local excursions and educational trips.
Venue: Various, including The Centre for Da’wah and Cooperation, Near Masjid Dhat al-Nitaqatayn, Makkah
Accommodation: 4* Hotel
Duration: 15 days
On-Campus Options
Meals are included for those residing on campus. While it is possible to attend from off-campus, we strongly advise students to choose on-campus accommodation as it offers greater opportunities to practise speaking skills. The on-campus fee includes tuition, accommodation, meals, excursions, and a daily shuttle between the accommodation and the Haram.
9th August 2025
24th August 2025
Accommodation
Students will stay in a 4-star hotel on a twin-share basis, located approximately 20 minutes drive from the Haram, with a shuttle service available to and from the Haram.
Food
Breakfast is included.
Lunch and dinner upgrades are available at an additional cost of £225 per meal for the 15-day duration. Please note that the lunch upgrade is highly recommended. Upgrades can be requested at any point after registration.
Off-Campus Option
Students who wish to book their own accommodation must purchase the off-campus package, which covers tuition fees and excursions. Off-campus students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from the teaching venue.
Visa
Students must apply for a tourist visa via https://visa.visitsaudi.com/
Umrah
Students must perform Umrah upon arrival and should, therefore, be in ihram prior to arrival in Jeddah. Due to varying arrival times, there won’t be any arrangements made for a group Umrah. Students are expected to coordinate and make their own arrangements for Umrah, either individually or in collaboration with fellow students. More information on Umrah will be provided upon enrolment.
Price
Early Bird: £1550*
Standard Price: £1800
Fees can be paid either in full or in two instalments.
Price Includes: 10 days of online tuition, 15 days of in-person learning in Makkah, local excursions and educational trips, and accommodation in a 4-star hotel with breakfast included.
On-Campus Payment Options – Full Price £1550
Over 2 Payments
Price does not include: flights, airport transfers, or visa costs.
*Early Bird Discount Ends: 15th June 2025
Please note: The instalment option is a payment plan to help students split the cost of the Summer School if they are unable to pay the full price in a single payment. Students who choose this option must pay the second instalment by the 13th July 2025. Students will be sent an email with the link to pay for the second instalment once the first instalment is received. All payments are non-refundable.
Please note: Students who are unable to attend the full duration of the Summer School will not be eligible for a fee reduction. This is due to the nature of the booking with the institute in Makkah, which does not accept reduced payments for partial attendance. Students who will not be staying for the full duration should let us know by sending an email to residentials@alsalam.ac.uk.
Mahrams
If you would like to book with a mahram, please get in touch with the team via the email address below. According to the details on the visa website linked above, mahrams are not required for females applying for a tourist visa.
For any further enquiries, please email residentials@alsalam.ac.uk
Course Description
The programme begins with two weeks of online teaching followed by another two weeks of in-person classes in Makkah, including classes with Shaykh Akram Nadwi. It is designed to enhance applied Arabic (fusha) skills and offers an immersive environment. The programme comprises three levels tailored to students’ proficiency in Arabic. This ensures accessibility for beginners embarking on their Arabic journey, as well as those aiming to advance their language skills (see tabs above for further details). The prerequisites for each level of study can be found in the application form, accessible via the ‘Apply Now’ tab on this page.
Online
Students will study approximately 20 hours online as part of the Arabic Summer School. These classes will focus on expanding the students’ speaking skills, listening skills and vocabulary. These will take place on weekday evenings and on the weekend in order to prepare students for their studies in Makkah.
Dates: 28th July – 6th August 2025
Duration: 10 days
Makkah
Classes will primarily focus on strengthening students’ speaking and listening skills. Dialogue practice, comprehension and vocabulary acquisition will be key to each student’s progress. Daily classes will be held five days a week, alongside educational tours and extracurricular activities for students to continue practising their Arabic language skills.
Venue: The Centre for Da’wah and Cooperation, Makkah
Dates: 9th August – 24th August 2025
Duration: 15 days
Objectives:
By the end of the three-week Arabic summer school, students are expected to have achieved the following objectives:
- To develop speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.
- Appreciation to basic conversational grammar and utilise essential vocabulary.
- To review and apply lessons and objectives already achieved in their Arabic studies.
- To have a good basis for progression to higher levels and an appreciation of Classical Arabic (fusha).
- To develop confidence to have simple conversational exchanges in an Arabic speaking environment
Unit 1: Dialogue
Students will engage in interactive dialogue recreation within specific contexts suitable for a beginner-level student, focusing on generating new conversations rather than mere reading.
Unit 2: Listening Skills
Students will develop their Arabic listening skills through exposure to various resources, aiming to comprehend and respond effectively to basic Arabic presentations.
Unit 3: Kinaesthetic learning
Using a variety of techniques and interactions students will be scaffolded to memorise and apply new vocabulary words
Assessments
Every lesson includes a variety of formative assessments appropriate to the module. Students will receive daily in-class feedback from the instructors. They can also expect a summative assessment at the end of the summer school.
Objectives:
By the end of the three-week Arabic summer school, students are expected to have achieved the following objectives:
- To develop confidence in expressing themselves in Arabic
- To carry themselves comfortably in everyday Arabic conversations with the usage of common phrases and idioms.
- To form properly constructed sentences
- To comprehend and respond appropriately upon listening to statements expressed in Arabic.
- To improve listening and speaking abilities through interactive exercises and role-plays.
- To review and apply lessons and objectives already achieved in their Arabic studies.
Unit 1: Dialogue
Students will engage in interactive dialogue recreation within specific contexts suitable for an intermediate-level student, focusing on generating new conversations rather than mere reading.
Unit 2: Listening Skills
Students will develop their Arabic listening skills through exposure to various resources, aiming to comprehend and respond effectively to Arabic presentations.
Unit 3: Groupwork
Students will work in small groups to create and present short presentations, fostering confidence and proficiency in Arabic conversation.
In addition to group presentations, students will deliver individual presentations to the class, enhancing language skills, clarity in expression, and confidence in communication. They have the freedom to choose their presentation topics, providing an opportunity to share personal knowledge and experiences.
Assessments
Every lesson includes a variety of formative assessments appropriate to the module. Students will receive daily in-class feedback from the instructors. They can also expect a summative assessment at the end of the summer school.
Objectives:
By the end of the three-week Arabic summer school, students are expected to have achieved the following objectives:
- To enhance fluency and advanced speaking abilities, including but not limited to debates, speech writing (khutba) and formal speaking.
- To speak with grammatical accuracy and utilise rhetorical expression (balagha).
- To develop confidence in expressing ideas in Arabic in a wide variety of situations
- To maintain a detailed conversation on a wide range of topics and Islamic subjects.
- To understand Friday sermons and Islamic lectures on a variety of topics.
Unit 1: Groupwork
Students will work in small groups to create and present short presentations, fostering confidence and proficiency in advanced Arabic conversation.
Unit 2: Presentations
In addition to group presentations, students will deliver individual presentations to the class, enhancing language skills, clarity in expression, and confidence in communication. They have the freedom to choose their presentation topics, providing an opportunity to share personal knowledge and experiences.
Unit 3: Impromptu Conversation
Students will be given a variety of topics and, without preparation, will be required to speak about the topic extensively, answer questions, probe for information, discuss and debate with their fellow classmates.
Unit 4: Rhetoric (balagha)
Students will be taught a wide variety of expressions and rhetorical (balaghi) techniques to employ in their language scenarios. They will be shown numerous examples of taught techniques as well as given different scenarios and levels of formality to incorporate into their language style.
Assessments
Every lesson includes a variety of formative assessments appropriate to the module. Students will receive daily in-class feedback from the instructors. They can also expect a summative assessment at the end of the summer school.
Is the course suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is. There are three levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced.
What are the requirements for the beginner level?
You must be able to read Arabic script.
I have completed the Foundation Year. Which level should I join?
You should join the intermediate level.
I’m currently in the ʿĀlimiyyah programme. What level should I join?
You may apply for either the intermediate or advanced level, as the focus is on conversational Arabic and reading fluency.
I’m unsure about my level. What should I do?
Don’t worry – we’ll carry out a short assessment to place you in the correct level.
What is the minimum age?
The programme is for students aged 18 and over. Children aged 13+ may join only if accompanied by a parent who is also enrolled and takes full responsibility.
What is the weather like in Makkah during August?
It is extremely hot. Please be prepared with appropriate clothing, sun protection, and hydration.
Will we visit Madīnah?
Trips to Madīnah are not included in the programme package. However, students are welcome to organise their own travel. In previous years, many participants visited Madīnah either during the online teaching phase or after the in-person component ends.
Can I attend part of the Summer School and receive a discount?
Students who are unable to attend the full duration of the Summer School will not be eligible for a fee reduction.
If you are planning to leave early or join late, please inform us in advance by emailing residentials@alsalam.ac.uk.
Are there classes every day in Makkah?
No. Classes will be held Sunday to Thursday (Saudi weekdays). Fridays and Saturdays will have informal sessions or excursions.
Do I need a visa?
Yes. You must apply for a tourist visa, which permits Umrah. Insurance is often included with this visa.
Do I need separate travel insurance?
Yes, though tourist visas may include insurance. Some credit cards may also provide coverage. Please check your existing policies.
Do I need to bring a maḥram?
As per Saudi regulations, a maḥram is not required for the tourist visa. If your school of thought requires a maḥram, you may bring one. If they wish to stay at the ASI-designated (on-campus) hotel, they should ideally be enrolled on the programme. Otherwise, we recommend choosing the off-campus accommodation option.
Can my maḥram join classes or excursions?
No. Only enrolled participants may attend classes, informal sessions, or excursions.
Are all meals included?
Only breakfast is included. Lunch and dinner are optional upgrades. Each can be added for £225. You may upgrade at any point during registration. If a deadline is introduced, we’ll notify you in advance.
Is airport transfer provided?
No. You’ll need to arrange your own transport from Jeddah or Madīnah airport. Taxis and trains are both viable options.
Will there be transport for excursions and classes?
Yes. Local transport will be provided for all official programme activities.
Will there be a shuttle service to the Ḥaram?
Yes. Shuttle transport will be available between the hotel, the teaching venue, and the Ḥaram.
Can I request early check-in or late checkout?
Yes, subject to availability and additional charges. Please enquire directly.
Can I upgrade to a single room?
Yes. Single rooms are limited and subject to availability. Prices are usually double that of a twin occupancy room but may vary. Please enquire by emailing: residentials@alsalam.ac.uk.
What is the name and location of the hotel?
The hotel name will be confirmed closer to the programme. It will be a 4-star hotel located approximately 20 minutes from the Ḥaram. The hotel will include facilities and services typical of 4-star accommodation in Makkah.
Where will the classes be held?
Classes may take place in hotel conference rooms, prayer halls, classrooms at the Centre for Daʿwah and Cooperation (south Makkah), and other educational institutions. Transport will be arranged as needed.
Can I book my own accommodation?
Yes. You may arrange your own accommodation, but you must make your own way to the teaching venues daily via taxi.
Who are the instructors?
Classes will be led by qualified instructors and scholars affiliated with Al-Salam Institute, along with guest lecturers.
Is there an assessment at the end?
There may be informal assessments to track progress. Details will be shared during the course.
Do I need to book my own flights?
Yes. Participants are responsible for booking their own travel, including transport to and from the hotel.
Can I extend my stay in Makkah?
Yes, subject to your visa conditions. However, if you are staying at the ASI hotel, you must check out at the end of the programme.
Will there be a group ʿUmrah?
No. Due to differing arrival times, we no longer organise a group ʿUmrah. Full guidance and support will be provided for you to perform it independently.
Is there time for personal worship in the Ḥaram?
Yes. The schedule allows time for personal worship, particularly from Maghrib onwards.
Will there be spiritual sessions?
Yes. The programme includes spiritual development talks and reflections.
Is the programme suitable for those new to Islamic studies?
Yes. While foundational knowledge is helpful, the programme is open to those who are studying at Al-Salam Institute or seeking immersion in Arabic.
What does the fee include?
The fee covers tuition, accommodation (twin share), breakfast, and local transportation for the programme.
Are there any additional costs?
Yes. You’ll need to budget for flights, visa, personal spending, optional meals (lunch and dinner), and any trips to Madīnah.
Is financial assistance available?
Aside from the early bird discount, no additional financial support is available.
What is the payment schedule?
You may pay in full or in two instalments. The final instalment must be completed by 13th July 2025.
Are refunds available?
Full refund: within 14 days of payment and before 15th June 2025
50% refund: until 15th July 2025
No refunds after 15th July 2025
Will there be a pre-departure briefing?
Yes. We will conduct a live briefing to help you prepare and answer any remaining questions.
Fees for Arabic Summer School – Makkah 2025
Tuition
Local excursions and educational trips
Breakfast included
Accommodation: 4* Hotel. Twin Rooms.
Tuition
Local excursions and educational trips
*Early Bird Discount Ends: 15th June 2025
Prices do not include flights, airport transfers, and visa costs