New language, different alphabet

Hey ya'll!!

I would like to learn Middle Eastern languages and I have a few concerns.. I do not have a problem learning the pronunciation or spoken grammer... But I can't read at all!! My ultimate goal would be to be able to read the Qu'ran in its original form.

I can pick up a few phrases, but how do you make the transition to a new way of writing? I would welcome responses from Asian members, Middle Eastern members, and Russian members especially. How did you feel learning English?