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Who we are

About Us

Founded in 1982, Alliance Française Dubai offers unique educational programs and arts initiatives exploring the diversity and richness of French and Francophone cultures.

On patronage of the French General Consulate, we pride ourselves in bringing French culture to the UAE through classes, events and the biggest French library in Dubai.

With 2 locations across Dubai, Alliance Française is the perfect destination for your French learning journey. Our dedicated team will support you along the way with a fully immersive, and culturally-rich setting.

Explore our culture

Our Values

Passion
Excellence
Respect
Alliance
Openness

Our Immersive Experience

More than just a language school, we are fully committed to enveloping our members in a truly immersive French experience. Explore our cultural events & activities below.
Concerts
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Atelier B Café
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Art Exhibitions
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“Building a platform for discovery and exchange, empowering people to broaden their horizons”

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Our Commitment

Learn French from our native-speaking, certified, and experienced French teachers and be guided by a responsive team along your learning path.

Our teachers are trained in the latest teaching methodologies through workshops led by experts in French education, which allows them to deliver the suitable learning experience with children and adults through engaging and interactive activities.

Benefit from the same learning experience whether online or in the classroom.

Meet the Team

We are professional and dedicated to make you learn, live and love French.
Ossama El Shammaa
Cultural Events Manager

Bonjour, my name is Ossama, I am Egyptian and Francophone. Culture, Art & History are parts of my daily life. I’ve been working at Alliance Française Dubai for 17 years as its Cultural Events Manager. "Being always immersed in the French Language and Culture, it is my passion to promote it to our students, members, different communities in Dubai and to share its richness through artistic events: Art exhibitions, Conferences, Concerts, Cinema, Theatre, Festivals & more".

Inès de Geyer d'Orth
Communication Officer

Bonjour! I’m Inès. I freshly arrived in Dubai and at Alliance Française Dubai as Communication Officer. I’m proud to be part of Alliance Française Dubai and I want to highlight all the different activities of this marvelous Institution.

"Build new projects, create links and share our culture are essential to me. I’m curious and I love discovering new things every day. Beyond my job I personally love sport, walking, running, swimming be outside and look at the beautiful landscape Dubai offers."

Jihene Mraihi
Administrative and Commercial Secretary

My name is Jihene, I am dedicated to ensuring seamless operations and fostering strong relationships with clients and stakeholders. With a keen eye for detail and a proactive approach, I efficiently manage administrative tasks while supporting our commercial endeavors.

With a dedication to maintaining confidentiality and upholding the highest standards of professionalism, I am committed to supporting the smooth functioning of our organization and contributing to its success.

Anne
Library & Activities Supervisor

Passionate about reading & storytelling, Anne is French. "I am really excited to work in the largest French library of the country! I can't wait to meet all the readers of the library, I am sure they will find plenty to read on the shelves".

Dianne Arbitrario
Receptionist

Dianne is our Receptionist and the first face you will meet in Knowledge Park! Driven by her fascination for the French culture, alongside her being naturally adventurous, she moved to Dubai where she now enjoys assisting AF students with their needs and attending to their requests.

Dianne loves traveling, hiking, and surfing. She does yoga, is an Advocate for Nature Sustainability, and is a Volunteer for Rescued Dogs.

Rasika Bhandarkar
Examinations & Certifications Coordinator

Bonjour! My name is Rasika. I am in charge of the examinations & certifications at the Alliance Francaise Dubai for the past 7 years!
Be it the TCF & TEF for Canada Immigration, examinations for French Nationality, or the DELF/DALF, the official French diploma certificates, I ensure the smooth functioning of all the exams. I have been developing partnerships with many schools for kids to get certified in French with the DELF Prim diploma.

Meeting new candidates and seeing them graduate is what keeps me motivated to help achieve new heights!

Said Nourine
Director

​​Hello, my name is Said Nourine. After 4 years in Bahrain, I initiated a splendid adventure as the director of Alliance Française Dubai.

"My passion for languages ​​and cultures has led me to visit more than 60 countries, learn four languages, to love classical and electronic music, photography, medieval and contemporary art, gastronomy, and poetry. With my friends, I play chess, and sometimes I do American tap dancing."

Nada Wassef
Administrative & Financial Director

As the Administrative & Financial Director of Alliance Française Dubai, I am dedicated to nurturing and safeguarding the financial health, human resources, and structural integrity of our organization.

Through strategic financial planning, nurturing our human capital, and fortifying the organizational framework, I architect pathways toward sustained growth and vitality.

My role mirrors that of a guardian, monitoring and fortifying the pillars that uphold the Alliance Française overall health and prosperity.

Ouiam Mjahdi
Librarian

Bonjour! My name is Ouiam, and I am delighted to introduce myself as the librarian at Alliance Française Dubai.

After having experiences in Alliance Française Abu Dhabi at the library and the language department, I am so exited to be part of the largest French library in UAE!

Charlène Vaksmann
Pedagogical Coordinator

Charlène is in charge of French classes for native speakers in our two centres -Oud Metha  Knowledge Park. Charlène is also coordinating French classes for our partner schools.

Our Professional Teachers

We have dedicated and professional teachers at Alliance Francaise. All teachers are accredited and highly qualified French teachers.
Elsa Caret
French Teacher

Elsa has been teaching children at Alliance Française Dubai for more than a now! She is originally from the beautiful region of Britanny but she feels Parisian! Adventurous & risk-taker, she lived in Sao Paulo & Madrid where she had a wonderful rewarding international experience!

"Seeing my students progressing and making sentences in French motivates more than anything! They are particularly endearing, touching, and funny!"

Cécile Pelletier
French teacher

Teaching French is a great delight as I treasure sharing the French language & culture with my students from different age ranges: I teach 5-year-old kids to adults! The special ingredient that motivates me daily is that my students come from diverse backgrounds. This great diversity enables us to open our eyes and hearts to anyone.

My philosophy is that "If you can't have fun, there is no sense in doing it. " - Paul Walker

Clara Bouillon
French Teacher

Bonjour, my name is Clara. I love teaching for Alliance Française students.

« I like teaching French because every day is different. For me, it is much more than passing on the French language and culture. It is a daily sharing. Encouraging the children, making them curious about learning French and seeing them evolve is what makes me proud to be a French teacher. » 

Nathalie Martins
French teacher

Nathalie left Paris 17 years ago to come to Dubai: “I have always taught French as a foreign language, I truly love teaching and supporting students, it became a passion! My hobbies include reading, travelling in Asia, listening to Pachelbel and having my favourite pastry - the Paris-Brest. See you soon at the Alliance!”

David Gubbels
French teacher

David joined the Alliance Française Dubai team one year ago. Before that, he was teaching French for 11 years in China and Asia.

“I and I love languages, cultures and travelling. My challenge? Exciting courses for all with digital technologies!”

Become a member & be part of the bustling community
Immerse yourself in the French culture within Dubai and enjoy special offers as a member.

Exclusive Discounts
Library Access
Peer Support
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Our Partners

Empowering People to Broaden their Horizons

As a non-profit international organization, Alliance Française has taken Dubai as a home for 40 years. Our mission is to promote the French language, Francophone cultures and cross-cultural dialogue.

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