The future of AI is already predictable - the world can no longer turn a blind eye. AI is already shaping our tomorrow and everyone is left without a choice but to adapt.
The rapidly evolving pace of artificial intelligence technology has left a significant impact on our daily lives. From research to warfare, education, and even dining, AI is leaving no stone unturned. Through interactions with AI technology, people can now do many things from the comfort of their homes.
The research and education sector is benefiting significantly from AI, with information available within a few seconds of inputting prompts. There are now personal robots, self-driving cars, AI assistants and much more. The future of our world indeed looks promising and every generation or race must catch up or get left behind.
Dubai’s no exception and is now trying to lead the charge in training the younger generation to rapidly adapt to artificial intelligence technology.
Teaching the Future - AI Education in UAE
On Sunday, May 04, 2025, the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, announced that artificial intelligence training is to be incorporated across all the stages of government education, making the AI subject compulsory in the UAE.
This initiative is set to kickstart next academic year and everyone from reception to grade 12 will be instructed on artificial intelligence technology. The Sheikh said it’s his hope that future generations will develop a deep understanding of AI, especially from a technical perspective.
On his official X account, he also stated, “As part of the UAE’s long-term plans to prepare future generations for a different future, a new world, and advanced skills, the UAE government today approved the final curriculum to introduce Artificial Intelligence as a subject across all stages of government education in the UAE, from kindergarten to grade 12, starting from the next academic year.”
For now, it is unsure whether private schools will be involved in the recently announced “AI is mandatory in schools” scheme.
To add to the importance of AI in education in UAE, the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid has further stated how much he appreciates the efforts of the Ministry of Education in developing a comprehensive artificial intelligence curriculum that focuses on training and enhancing pupils’ understanding of its ethics, data, algorithms, risks, applications, and the difficulty to separate AI technology from any modern society seeking to thrive.
AI Mandatory in UAE - What Does the Curriculum Cover?
Since AI has become a compulsory aspect of learning and teaching in Dubai, what goals do the ruler of Dubai and the Ministry of Education hope to accomplish?
The AI curriculum will cover seven (7) major areas - fundamental concepts, algorithms and data, applications, innovation and project design, ethical awareness, policies and societal engagement, and AI software applications. The curriculum, split into three cycles, is specially designed to cater to all the stages and age groups. The four-year-olds will be engaged visually, discovering AI through interactive activities and playing.
Cycle one will help the pupils develop their critical thinking skills through comparing machines to humans as well as exploring other AI applications.
In cycle two, the pupils will develop their own AI systems. The focus will be on AI bias and algorithms, and on the ethical use of artificial intelligence technology.
Cycle three will expose pupils to command engineering and practical or real-world applications of AI technology. This will prepare them for higher education and the job market.
All AI subjects will be taught by designated and well-trained teachers as part of Creative Design, Computing and Innovation. The Ministry of Education will provide comprehensive guides and needed resources to adapt the training to various levels.
In Summary,
AI is here to stay and the UAE is considering it as part of its growth strategy. In a briefing, Sheikh Hamdan dubbed current times as the age of artificial intelligence and countries must take advantage of its benefits.
The AI subject being compulsory in the UAE is considered a national imperative as mentioned by the Minister of Education Sarah Al Amiri. Dubai is taking charge of its future and equipping its younger generation with everything needed to better their lives and the country.
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