UAE deploys 1,000 school teachers for AI curriculum
One million students are expected to start school in the UAE next week
#UAE #education - The UAE Ministry of Education has trained and prepared over 1,000 teachers to deliver weekly AI classes as an independent subject at schools all over the UAE from next week. In May, the UAE announced that AI education would be introduced to all government schools, from kindergarten to grade 12, starting from the 2025-2026 academic year. Dedicated classes cover fundamental AI concepts, data and algorithms, ethical awareness, real-world applications, and community engagement. According to the ministry, first cycle (ages 6 to 10) and second cycle (ages 11 to 14) students will receive dedicated classes every two weeks, while third cycle students (14 to 17/18 years) will attend weekly sessions. Nearly one million students will begin the 2025-2026 academic year this month.
SO WHAT? - The UAE is implementing the world's first nationwide mandatory AI curriculum implementation at primary and secondary education levels. In order to make this happen, the Ministry of Education has assessed thousands of teachers, provided 1,000 teachers with specialised AI-focused training and made changes across the education system to integrate AI lessons with school curricula. However, crucially, the nationwide AI education programme also recognises the risks posed by AI to young students and so aims to ensure that teachers nurture the cognitive and practical skills that young students need to thrive.
Here are some more details about the introduction of AI to UAE schools:
The UAE Ministry of Education has trained and prepared over 1,000 teachers to deliver weekly AI classes as an independent subject at schools all over the UAE from next week.
The ministry has redesigned educator competency frameworks to manage skill evolution needed for guiding students in the AI era. The new frameworks recognise that teachers must nurture cognitive, ethical, and practical skills, whilst managing risks of over-reliance on AI.
The AI teachers have completed intensive training programmes over the summer months. The ministry first conducted an gap analysis to assess readiness levels and bridge knowledge gaps before academic year commencement.
The school AI curriculum emphasises responsible and ethical AI usage while building future-ready skills across six key areas: fundamental concepts, software applications, ethical awareness, real-world applications, innovation and project design, plus AI policies and community engagement.
Teachers have received comprehensive resources including activities, templates, and adaptable lesson plans, with ongoing training sessions and follow-up meetings. Dedicated monitoring committees have been formed to ensure effective implementation across all government schools.
AI classes operate as standalone subjects with dedicated computing class allocation, ensuring balanced integration with existing curriculum whilst providing focused attention on AI.
ZOOM OUT - The UAE's mandatory AI curriculum follows the Cabinet's May 2025 approval for nationwide artificial intelligence education rollout. The country was one of the first in the world to prioritise AI education for school students as part of its national strategy. The Office of the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence ran its seventh annual AI Camp over July and August, engaging over 34,000 participants, including students from all levels of the education system. The camp has introduced thousands of young people to AI, coding, and future-focused skills. The camps not only build technical competence but also connect students with the government leaders and institutions shaping the UAE’s AI agenda.
[Written and edited with the assistance of AI]
Read more about the UAE’s AI school curricula:
UAE to embed AI learning across entire school system (Middle East AI News)
Abu Dhabi launches AI training for school teachers (Middle East AI News)
New initiative to teach Fujairah school kids AI (Middle East AI News)