In a bold step towards future-proofing education, the UAE Ministry of Education has officially announced the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the national school curriculum, starting from the 2025–2026 academic year. AI will be taught as a core subject from kindergarten through Grade 12, making the UAE one of the first countries in the world to implement such a comprehensive AI education strategy.
This landmark initiative aims to equip students with future-ready skills aligned with the demands of an increasingly AI-driven global workforce. It forms part of the country’s broader vision to cultivate a generation of technologically competent innovators capable of solving real-world challenges through advanced digital knowledge.
“AI from Google” – Empowering Cycle 3 Students
As a precursor to the full curriculum rollout, the Ministry recently launched an advanced AI training programme titled “AI from Google”, exclusively for Cycle 3 students. Developed in collaboration with Google and INJAZ UAE, the training began on Wednesday and introduces participants to generative AI technologies, differentiating them from traditional machine learning methods.
The initiative includes hands-on sessions using Google’s AI tools, with a strong emphasis on ethics and responsible AI usage in a supervised environment. Participants will receive official certificates upon successful completion, co-issued by Google and INJAZ UAE. The programme is completely free, and registration is available via this link.
Comprehensive Curriculum Designed for Every Academic Level
The AI curriculum will be delivered through the subject “Computing, Creative Design, and Innovation”, without extending school hours or adding to the academic burden. Curriculum content has been carefully tailored to match the cognitive development of each age group:
- Kindergarten: Introduces AI through playful storytelling and visual engagement
- Cycle 1 (Grades 1–4): Focuses on comparing human and machine intelligence
- Cycle 2 (Grades 5–8): Covers algorithmic design, AI bias, and ethical principles
- Cycle 3 (Grades 9–12): Explores real-world problem-solving and advanced AI topics such as prompt engineering
Educators will be supported with dedicated training, practical activities, and detailed teaching resources to ensure effective implementation.
Seven Core Areas of the Curriculum
The AI subject will span seven essential domains:
- Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence
- Data and Algorithms
- Software Tools
- Ethical Awareness
- Real-world Applications
- Innovation and Project Design
- Political and Societal Engagement
By graduation, all public school students will possess a foundational understanding of AI and its practical applications in daily life and future careers.
Strategic Partnerships and Future Vision
This initiative is being developed in collaboration with top academic and tech institutions including:
- Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI)
- Emirates College for Advanced Education
- AI71
- Presight (a G42 company)
These partnerships are integral to creating an educational ecosystem where students evolve from passive users of technology into active contributors and innovators.
The Ministry emphasized that this move reflects the UAE’s commitment to building a knowledge-based society and a globally competitive digital economy, in line with its Fourth Industrial Revolution ambitions.
The Transformative Role of AI in Education
The inclusion of AI in school education is expected to significantly enhance teaching and learning experiences through:
- Personalized learning paths
- Instant feedback mechanisms
- AI-assisted grading and administration
- Rich multimedia content
- Immersive simulations and virtual reality tools
Such tools not only improve student engagement but also empower teachers to focus on creative instruction and mentorship.
Addressing Challenges Ahead
While the initiative is groundbreaking, it does come with challenges such as:
- Infrastructure demands
- Training gaps among educators
- Data privacy and ethical concerns
- Maintaining meaningful teacher-student interaction
- Avoiding overreliance on automated systems
The Ministry assures that each of these concerns will be addressed through phased rollouts, professional development programmes, and ongoing evaluation.
Regional and Global Examples of AI in Schools
Beyond the UAE, similar educational models are emerging. Egypt’s HST School of Applied Technology has introduced a curriculum entirely focused on AI, and several international universities now offer undergraduate degrees in AI Sciences, with coursework spanning machine learning, robotics, data science, and ethical AI.
A New Era of Education in the UAE
The integration of AI into the UAE’s national curriculum represents a transformative leap in reimagining education. With the right blend of policy, partnerships, and pedagogy, the initiative is poised to empower the next generation of digital innovators and thinkers—ready to lead in an AI-first world.