UAE Introduces AI in Public School Curriculum
Starting next academic year, government schools in the UAE will teach Artificial Intelligence (AI) from the age of four through to grade 12. Announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, this initiative aims to equip students with a solid technical foundation in AI. It also focuses on ethical awareness, real-world applications, and understanding data, algorithms, and societal impact.
The curriculum will span seven areas: foundational AI concepts, data and algorithms, software tools, ethics, real-world applications, innovation, and public policy engagement. Lessons will be tailored by age group and divided into three educational cycles. Young children will explore AI through games and visual tools. Later, students will progress to system design, bias in algorithms, and ethical decision-making. By the final cycle, they will simulate real-world scenarios and engage in command engineering tasks. This stepwise approach ensures a structured learning journey.
Importantly, AI instruction will be embedded in the subject “Computing, Creative Design and Innovation.” The Ministry of Education will provide support through adaptable lesson plans, model activities, and training resources. Although private schools are not included yet, the government’s commitment signals broader educational reform may follow.
A Wider Vision for AI-Driven Growth
Beyond education, AI is a central pillar in the UAE’s broader development strategy. Recently, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, emphasized the need for international cooperation on AI. “This is the age of artificial intelligence,” he said, urging global collaboration to maximize benefits and improve lives.
In line with this, the UAE Cabinet has launched the first integrated AI-based regulatory intelligence system. This tool is designed to accelerate lawmaking by 70%, saving time and resources across all stages of legislative development. Such advancements show the nation’s strategic use of AI is not limited to schools but extends to government, economics, and society.
Preparing for a Future Unlike the Present
Minister of Education Sarah Al Amiri has called AI education a “national imperative.” She believes it supports sustainable growth and strengthens individual capabilities. However, she also cautions that the urgency to adopt AI must be met with equal commitment to understanding it responsibly.
AI, she said, is fundamentally different from earlier technological shifts and demands a new kind of educational response. The UAE’s bold move to integrate AI education from the earliest stages of schooling demonstrates a long-term investment in the nation’s future. Ultimately, this initiative prepares children not just to use AI, but to lead in an AI-driven world.
