Artificial Intelligence will soon become a core part of the UAE’s public education system, following a government decision to make it a mandatory subject from kindergarten through Grade 12. The announcement came on Sunday, May 4, from UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who shared the news via social media.
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Sheikh Mohammed stated that the move is part of the UAE’s long-term strategy to prepare future generations for an increasingly technology-driven world. The AI curriculum, approved by the government, will be implemented across all grade levels—from kindergarten to Grade 12—making the UAE one of the first countries globally to undertake such a comprehensive educational transformation.
Preparing for a Technological Future
Highlighting the importance of forward-thinking education, Sheikh Mohammed said, “Our responsibility is to equip our children for a time unlike ours, with conditions different from ours, and with new skills and capabilities.” He emphasized that the development of future-ready generations is a national responsibility to ensure the UAE’s continued progress.
The new curriculum aims to provide students not only with technical knowledge but also with ethical understanding of AI. Children will learn about data, algorithms, practical applications of AI, and its potential risks. The program is designed to help students critically evaluate the impact of AI on society and understand its growing role in daily life.
Technical and Ethical Focus
The AI curriculum will incorporate a balanced approach, teaching both the foundational technical skills and the broader ethical implications of artificial intelligence. Students will be introduced to concepts such as machine learning, data processing, and the societal responsibilities that come with using AI technologies.
This approach is consistent with the UAE’s broader vision of cultivating a tech-savvy, critically minded population that can lead in a rapidly evolving global landscape. Sheikh Mohammed expressed appreciation for the Ministry of Education’s role in designing the curriculum and underscored the significance of introducing such subjects early in the educational journey.
Teacher Training
In parallel with the rollout, efforts are underway to ensure that educators are equipped to teach the new material effectively. On June 12, Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed announced a dedicated training program for teachers to become AI-qualified. This initiative will ensure that the quality of instruction keeps pace with the curriculum’s ambitions and technological complexity.
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This initiative is one of several major steps the UAE has taken to position itself as a leader in AI and innovation. By embedding AI education from the earliest years, the UAE aims to normalize technological fluency and prepare students to contribute meaningfully to the knowledge economy.