Meridian Language Institute

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about our services.

Which languages do you teach?

Arabic (Modern Standard and Gulf dialect), English, French and Spanish, from absolute beginner through advanced. Arabic and English run every term; French and Spanish run in the autumn and spring terms and in summer if we reach six enrolments. We do not currently teach German, Russian or Mandarin.

How much does a course cost?

A ten-week group term is AED 2,400 for two 90-minute evening classes a week, which works out at AED 120 per class. Intensive daytime courses of four sessions a week are AED 3,900 per term. Private one-to-one lessons are AED 320 per hour, dropping to AED 280 in a ten-lesson pack.

How do I know which level I belong in?

Every new student takes a free 30-minute placement session — a short written test plus a spoken chat with a teacher — and we map you to a CEFR level from A1 to C1. It can be done on site or over video call. If the first two classes feel wrong we move you to another group at no charge.

Can I try a class before I pay?

Yes. One free trial lesson in any running group is available to every new student, and you sit through a genuine class rather than a demo. If you enrol within seven days of the trial we take AED 150 off your first term. Book the trial in this chat and you get the level, day and teacher confirmed by email.

What are your class sizes and schedules?

Group classes are capped at eight students, and beginner Arabic is capped at six. Evening groups run 6:30pm to 8:00pm on Sunday/Tuesday or Monday/Wednesday, daytime groups run 10:00am to 11:30am, and there is a Saturday morning block from 9:00am to 12:00pm for people who cannot commit midweek.

Do you offer online classes?

Yes, every group has an online seat option on Zoom at the same price, and the teacher shares the same board and materials with the room. Fully online private lessons are AED 280 per hour. Recordings of group classes are kept for seven days so you can catch up if you miss one.

Do you prepare students for IELTS or the Goethe-style exams?

We run a dedicated eight-week IELTS Academic preparation course at AED 2,900 including two full marked mock tests. For Arabic we prepare students for the ALPT. We are a preparation centre, not an exam centre, so you sit the actual exam at the official test venue and we help you register.

What if I miss a class?

You can make up two missed classes per term by joining the parallel group on another day, subject to a free seat, or by watching the recording and taking a 30-minute catch-up slot with the teacher. Beyond two, missed classes are not refundable or transferable to the next term.

Can you teach a team at our office?

Yes. Corporate group courses are delivered at your premises anywhere in Dubai from AED 460 per 90-minute session for up to eight staff, with a needs analysis and a written progress report at the mid-point and end. Minimum booking is twenty sessions and we invoice the company directly with a tax invoice.