ADEK Expands AI Literacy Program Across 170 Abu Dhabi Private Schools
The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) is expanding its AI Literacy initiative across more than 170 private schools. The program introduces artificial intelligence education from kindergarten through Grade 12.
Importantly, the initiative follows a progressive learning model that prioritizes student wellbeing and independent thinking. In the early years, students build critical and logical thinking skills through age-appropriate, screen-free activities. Then, as they progress through school, they gradually begin working with AI tools.
Students Progress From AI Users to Solution Designers
As students advance, they learn how to assess AI-generated outputs and develop AI-powered solutions. Moreover, they explore how people should govern intelligent systems responsibly.
By Grade 12, students work toward designing AI systems and scalable solutions. Therefore, the curriculum aims to move learners beyond simply using AI toward actively contributing to its development.
Throughout the program, educators position AI as a tool that supports students’ thinking rather than replacing it. At the same time, safeguards aim to reduce overreliance on AI and protect students’ cognitive agency.
A human-centered framework also places students in the role of co-creators of AI systems and applications. Additionally, it emphasizes ethical judgment and responsible citizenship.
The framework focuses on four areas: AI concepts, critical evaluation, solution design, and responsible governance. Furthermore, it addresses data privacy and the wider societal impact of artificial intelligence.
International and national institutions helped inform the framework, including the OECD, MIT, Microsoft and Khalifa University of Science and Technology. As a result, the framework draws on established national and international approaches to AI education.
Curriculum Offers Flexible Learning Options
ADEK has turned the framework into a dedicated AI curriculum covering every grade level. Students consequently progress through four learner profiles as their skills develop.
They begin as AI Aware Explorers before becoming AI Literate Thinkers. By Grade 8, students progress to AI Solution Builders. Finally, by Grade 12, they reach the Systems & Solutions Designer profile.
The curriculum provides year-long lesson plans and teacher toolkits. Meanwhile, schools can integrate lessons into existing subjects, use a hybrid model or deliver the curriculum as a standalone program. However, each approach must maintain the required AI learning outcomes.
To track development, ADEK has also introduced the AI Growth Test for students in Grades 4–12. Schools conduct the standardized assessment twice each year.
The test establishes a baseline for students’ AI knowledge and skills. In addition, it identifies learning gaps and monitors progress over time. Schools can then provide targeted bridging lessons when students need additional support.
Policy and Teacher Training Support AI Education
The in-school Technology and AI Policy supports the broader initiative by setting requirements for responsible technology adoption. Specifically, it covers data protection, student privacy, cognitive agency, academic integrity, human oversight and content safety.
Additionally, the policy addresses cultural alignment with UAE values and algorithmic fairness. These requirements provide schools with a structured approach to using AI and other digital technologies.
Teachers also play a central role in implementation. Therefore, a three-level professional development program aims to train and upskill 19,000 educators by the program’s completion.
Level 1 provides mandatory foundational training in AI concepts, ethical use, prompting skills and classroom applications. Meanwhile, Level 2 offers optional training for heads of department. Finally, Level 3 provides advanced training for a designated AI Lead at each school.
Through continued implementation, the initiative aims to make AI literacy a core part of private-school education in Abu Dhabi. Ultimately, it seeks to help students use AI critically, act responsibly and contribute to future innovation.
