UAE to Make AI Official Subject in Schools

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is taking a significant step towards integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its public education system. Beginning with the 2025-2026 academic year, AI will become an official subject in schools, from kindergarten through Grade 12. This initiative is part of the UAE’s broader strategy to prepare its youth for the demands of a rapidly evolving global landscape and to foster a culture of innovation. The country aims to position itself as a leader in AI and digital transformation.

The Ministry of Education (MoE) has collaborated with various partners, including Presight, AI71, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, and Emirates College for Advanced Education, to spearhead this educational transformation. The curriculum will focus on seven critical areas: basic concepts, data and algorithms, software use, ethical awareness, practical applications, innovation and project design, and policy and community involvement. These areas are designed to ensure students acquire relevant skills at each educational level, such as understanding algorithms and recognizing ethical AI use.

Sarah Al Amiri, the Minister of Education, emphasized the importance of this initiative, highlighting how it modernizes teaching methods and equips future generations to tackle technological challenges with ethical considerations in mind. By embedding AI education into the school system, the UAE aims to create a knowledge-driven society with a strong digital economy, directed by a skilled national workforce.

The AI curriculum will be integrated seamlessly into existing schedules, using designated teachers to lead this effort as part of the Computing, Creative Design, and Innovation subjects. To support this transition, the MoE will provide comprehensive guides, including adaptable lesson plans and activities tailored to different classroom settings, ensuring that all students, including those in kindergarten, engage with AI concepts through interactive and age-appropriate methods.