Maliha Wehbe

Maliha Wehbe started teaching Arabic to foreigners at her home in Lebanon in 1968, and continued until 1975 when the Lebanese civil war broke out. In 1976, she and her family moved to the UAE. She started teaching Arabic on a part-time basis at the Dubai English Speaking School. In 1980, Maliha started teaching Arabic at home to MrsGuillmard, the wife of the Dubai World Trade Centre Manager. She was so impressed with her that she introduced Maliha to her husband. Together, they formed what is known today as the Arabic Language Centre. In 1989 Maliha started a new school for the younger generation called the dar el-ilm School of Languages.

Maliha developed a simplified, logical and interesting method of teaching Arabic. Her courses are supported by learning materials, which she developed with the assistance of teachers and students at the Arabic Language Centre. The courses and books are still used today, albeit with regular updates. In particular, the series ‘Business and Social Arabic'.  Also, The Arabic Alphabet Guide has been published and is in print.

Maliha was taken away from us too quickly. She passed away on 12th September 2006 following a brave struggle with cancer and complications thereof.  Today, her legacy remains as both schools continue to teach Arabic to generations of Arabic language lovers from around the world.