Saudi Arabia’s National Curriculum Center has launched one of the world’s first comprehensive national artificial intelligence curricula, spanning from elementary school through the university level. The new curriculum is being introduced for the 2025-2026 academic year as six million children begin school across the Kingdom’s public school system.
By the Numbers
This landmark initiative represents one of the largest national AI education deployments in the world:
- 6 Million Students: The number of children in the public school system who will be introduced to the new curriculum.
- Elementary to University: The comprehensive scope of the new AI curriculum.
- Key Collaborators: The curriculum was developed by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA).
A Curriculum for the Next Generation
The curriculum was created through a collaboration between the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, and SDAIA. Together, they designed age-appropriate AI modules that feature interactive and hands-on teaching methods. This initiative directly supports the Human Capability Development Program, a key component of Saudi Vision 2030. The initial regional deployment of the curriculum includes Riyadh, which welcomes 2.84 million students, the Eastern Region with 700,000 students, and Aseer with over 525,000 students.
Fostering Ethical and Responsible AI Use
A core component of the new program is the focus on the ethical and responsible use of AI. The Ministry of Education and SDAIA recently issued guidance for generative AI usage in general education, which preserves the central role of teachers while supporting enhanced learning through AI tools. This ensures that students develop the cognitive and practical skills needed to thrive, while also managing the risks of over-reliance on AI.
Building a Globally Competitive Talent Pipeline
The new curriculum is designed to create a long-term competitive advantage for Saudi students in future technology careers. To ensure this, the Saudi Academic Framework for AI Qualifications was established to guarantee that curricula at academic institutions meet global standards. This boosts employer confidence in the competence of AI graduates and prepares students for international technology careers. The launch places Saudi Arabia alongside the UAE and China as leaders in implementing extensive, nationwide AI education, reflecting the intensifying regional effort to build a pipeline of talent to drive the digital economy.
Source: Middle East AI News
