UAE has announced artificial intelligence (AI) as a mandatory subject in its school system.
The UAE Ministry of Education (MoE) has announced the integration of AI as an official subject in the public-school curriculum for kindergarten to Grade 12, starting from the 2025–2026 academic year, according to WAM.
What is the AI subject about?
UAE is targeting to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills required to understand AI concepts and apply them in everyday life.
“Introducing AI across all public school levels is a strategic step that modernises teaching tools and supports a generation of young people who understand tech ethics and can create smart, locally relevant solutions to future challenges. The integration of AI into classrooms reflects the UAE Government’s future-focused vision.” – Sarah Al Amiri, UAE Minister of Education.
What will the students study?
According to WAM, the UAE’s AI curriculum spans seven key areas: foundational concepts, data and algorithms, software use, ethical awareness, real-world applications, innovation and project design, and policies and community engagement.
These key areas will supposedly equip students with the knowledge and skills appropriate for each academic level, ensuring all public school graduates are well-versed in AI fundamentals and able to apply them in everyday life.
How will the UAE integrate AI into the school system?
The UAE tailored units for each age group, starting with kindergarten, where children engage in visual and interactive activities to discover AI and other digital technologies through stories and play. Then it will be followed by different cycles:
- Cycle 1: Students compare machines to humans, develop digital thinking skills, and explore AI applications.
- Cycle 2: Students design and evaluate AI systems, learn about bias and algorithms, and focus on ethical AI use.
- Cycle 3: Prepares students for higher education and careers by teaching command engineering and simulating real-world scenarios.
Meanwhile, MoE insisted that the new AI curriculum will be seamlessly integrated within existing school schedules without requiring additional teaching hours, and it will be taught by designated teachers as part of the Computing, Creative Design, and Innovation subject.
