UAE moves to embed AI learning across entire school system
AI will be taught in UAE government schools from kindergarten to grade 12
#UAE #education – The UAE Cabinet has approved a nationwide rollout of artificial intelligence (AI) education for all students in government schools, from kindergarten to grade 12, starting from the next academic year. The news was shared by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on social media platform X. The UAE Ministry of Education will oversee the implementation of a dedicated AI curriculum, designed to build both technical and ethical understanding of the technology among future generations. China is the only other country to have announced such an extensive AI education policy, which will introduce AI education into all schools starting September 1st this year.
SO WHAT? – While various UAE emirates and private school systems have launched AI education initiatives during the past year, this is the first federal mandate to introduce AI as a core subject across the entire government school system. For example Fujairah introduced a Young Techpreneurs programme to schools this year and Abu Dhabi launched AI for Teachers training. The plan for nationwide implementation is groundbreaking and reinforces the UAE’s commitment to building a AI-ready generation.
The UAE Cabinet approved the roll-out of AI curriculum for all stages of the government school system, from kindergarten through to Grade 12, at the end of high school. The news was shared by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on social media platform X.
The new curriculum, focusing on AI as a school subject, will begin rollout in the 2025 academic year, covering approximately 300,000 students in government schools.
The Ministry of Education is developing the programme to address both technical competencies and AI ethics, including data, algorithms, applications, and societal impact. The programme is being developed in partnership with partnership G42 Group company Presight, AI71, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) and Emirates College for Advanced Education.
The curriculum spans seven key areas: foundational concepts, data and algorithms, software use, ethical awareness, real-world applications, innovation and project design, and policies and community engagement.
The initiative is part of the UAE's national strategy to embed digital economy skills and future-proof its education system.
Teachers will undergo intensive training to deliver the AI curriculum, with new teaching materials and classroom technologies to be introduced.
The curriculum offers tailored units for each age group, starting with kindergarten, where children engage in visual and interactive activities to discover AI and other digital technologies through stories and play.
Cycle 1 - students compare machines to humans, develop digital thinking skills, and explore AI applications.
Cycle 2 - students design and evaluate AI systems, learn about bias and algorithms, and focus on ethical AI use.
Cycle 3 - prepares students for higher education and careers by teaching command engineering and simulating real-world scenarios.
AI literacy will be embedded in multiple subjects, not only as a standalone topic, promoting interdisciplinary learning, and ensures students are well-versed in AI fundamentals and able to apply them in everyday life.
The new AI curriculum will be integrated within existing school schedules without requiring more teaching hours, and will be taught by designated teachers as part of the Computing, Creative Design, and Innovation subject.
The Ministry of Education will also provide comprehensive guides, including activities, models, and lesson plans adaptable to various classroom settings.
The programme builds on earlier digital initiatives such as the National Programme for Coders and the One Million Arab Coders campaign.
The government’s goal is to equip youth with the mindset, skills, and awareness needed to thrive in a technology-driven world.
The UAE’s AI Strategy 2031 aims to position the country as a global AI hub, with education reform playing a key foundational role.
The only other country planning such a wide-ranging AI curricula for schools this year is China, which announced last month that AI education will be made mandatory in all schools across the country starting September 1, 2025.
ZOOM OUT – The UAE was one of the first countries in the world to prioritise AI education for school students as part of its national strategy. Over the past six years, its AI Summer Camp — run by the Office of the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence — has introduced thousands of young people to AI, coding, and future-focused skills. These camps not only build technical competence but also connect students with the government leaders and institutions shaping the UAE’s technology agenda. Few countries have launched grassroots national programmes of this scale, and the UAE continues to set a regional benchmark for integrating AI education with long-term nation-building goals.
Updated: 04-May-25 with additional information from Emirates News Agency.
[Written and edited with the assistance of AI]
Read more about UAE school AI initiatives:
Abu Dhabi launches AI training for school teachers (Middle East AI News)
New initiative to teach Fujairah school kids AI (Middle East AI News)