Have you ever wondered whether Arabic cartoons can really help your child learn the language? It’s an important question, because TV shows can play a bigger role in language learning than many of us realize.
As the African proverb says, “It takes a village to raise a child.” That village has changed over time. Decades ago, families lived close together, and whole neighborhoods shared in raising children. Later, the village became just family and close friends.
Today, with busier schedules and faster lives, the “village” often looks different. Cartoons and TV shows may not be a perfect replacement for community, but they can still provide fun, valuable support—especially when parents choose programs that nurture language learning.
That’s why we’ve gathered a list of the top Arabic cartoons and TV shows that can help your child pick up the language naturally, while enjoying stories and characters they’ll love.
Why Arabic Cartoons Are Perfect for Language Learning
Language learning is no longer the same as it once was. Kids now know there are more stimulating and fascinating options than staring at a plain textbook full of vocabulary lists to memorize without question.
They get too bored too fast, and they choose to stick only to the fun things that keep up with their speedy little brains and their needy minds that are eager to explore.
Some cartoons strike all the right notes for kids, keeping things fun while teaching them in the simplest ways. Those cartoons use repetition, simple, relatable dialogues, and irresistibly catchy music that make kids pick up vocabulary quite naturally without even realizing it.
Best Educational Arabic Cartoons for Kids
1. Bakkar
“Bakkar” is an Egyptian classic. It is a good starting point if your kids haven’t been exposed to the most colorful and stimulating cartoons. Its pace may feel a bit slow, but it teaches great values like kindness and forgiveness. It is also great if you want to specifically emphasize teaching your kids the Egyptian dialect in a fun way.
2. Mansour
“Mansour” is just the right show for you if you want your kid to pick up the Gulf dialect in a fun way. Mansour, the main character, is an Emirati kid with an adventurous soul. Through these adventures, kids learn great values such as friendship and honesty. It is more suitable for kids older than five as it does not depend on rhymes or repetition.
3. Adam Wa Mishmish
“Adam Wa Mishmish” is a Jordanian cartoon that is perfect for preschoolers as they build their Arabic vocabulary and their basic knowledge of Arabic numbers, colors, and everyday words. It uses playful animation and catchy music to deliver information in the most fun way possible.
Popular and Entertaining Arabic Kids Shows
1. Simsim
“Alam Simsim”, which literally translates to “Simsim’s world,” is the Arabic adaptation of Sesame Street. The friendly characters in this cartoon use repetition and simple vocabulary all the time. They teach kids basic knowledge, such as counting numbers from 1 to 10, in a fun way.
2. Let’s Learn Arabic with Zaky
This YouTube channel leans a little more toward the educational side. It will feel more educational than a fun time, but it also uses simple animation, catchy music, and repetition. Most of the episodes are short and deliver the information in a simple, fun way, making them perfect for younger viewers with shorter attention spans.
Islamic and Moral Arabic Cartoons for Families
1. Omar and Hana
“Omar and Hana” is an amazing show whose stars are the two siblings who go on adventures and experience relatable events. The cartoon is Islamic and highlights Islamic values and morals. It is available on YouTube in both English and Arabic. If your child is hesitant to watch in Arabic at first, you can start introducing the English version first, followed by the Arabic one whenever you feel like your child has already connected with the characters.
2. Fawaz and Noora
“Fawaz and Noora” is the modern counterpart of old laid-back cartoons that emphasize family vibes and morals. Each episode is approximately 5 minutes long and teaches one specific moral or habit in a fun and straightforward way. It is more suitable for kids above four who already have the basic knowledge of the Arabic language. One episode a day is a little screen time that can go a long way with your child’s language and behavior.
Arabic Dubbed Movies for Kids
Is your primary goal to use screen time as a way to teach Arabic? If so, one of the best approaches is to show your child Arabic versions of movies or episodes they already know well. Because they’re familiar with the story, the extra cognitive load is reduced, and they can more easily connect new vocabulary with meaning.
1. Finding Nemo
Who hasn’t watched Nemo? This movie can be a fun time for the whole family. It is conversational and simple with amusing scenes. It is excellent for beginners, and it is one of the best options if you are looking for an Egyptian-dubbed movie.
2. The Lion King (Arabic dub)
The Lion King is a Disney classic that never dies. It is full of emotions and events that will keep your child focused even if he doesn’t understand every single word for itself. This movie will likely be a memorable experience for your child’s life due to its dramatic scenes and catchy songs.
Tips for Parents to Use Arabic Cartoons Effectively
1. Watch together
We know most parents use screen time to have some time for themselves, which is totally okay. However, don’t you remember the movie you watched with your friends much better than the one you watched alone? The comments you will make together and the laughs you will share will make every word last a lot longer in your kid’s brain.
2. Use subtitles for dual exposure
Your child may not be able to follow the subtitles closely. But even if he reads a word or two and understands their Arabic translation and pronunciation, that would be an effortless win.
3. Encourage kids to sing songs from Cartoons
When the kids get bored with sitting down, don’t just give up Arabic time. Fast forward to a fun song from the cartoon, get up, repeat the song, and dance together!
4. Don’t rely too much on screen time
Educational screen time can be pretty beneficial, but it is always best to support that time with other resources away from the screen, such as flash cards and storybooks. That way, your kid will feel like Arabic has become a part of his daily life in many different forms.
Final Thoughts
Haven’t you thought of learning Turkish after watching one of the popular Turkish shows, or felt curious about Spanish after you watched Money Heist? The same applies to Arabic Cartoons. If you choose the most suitable option for your kid’s personality, you will end up with something useful that he gets attached to.
Even if you don’t reach your primary goal of teaching your kid the Arabic language through cartoons, you will surely get him to like the language and be more curious about it. That alone is a huge win indeed.
Trust the process. Treat Arabic cartoon time like family fun time. Pop some popcorn. Sit down with your child and watch the magic unfold.
But in addition to Arabic cartoons, to ensure your kids are using their screen time in the most optimal way, download AlifBee Kids, which has plenty of resources to teach your child the Arabic language, logic, math, and drawing.
