The UAE Ministry of Education has trained and prepared over 1,000 teachers to deliver weekly artificial intelligence classes as a standalone subject in government schools across the country. The initiative, part of the world’s first nationwide mandatory AI curriculum for primary and secondary education, will launch with the start of the 2025-2026 academic year.
By the Numbers
This ambitious educational rollout is set to impact nearly a million students:
- 1,000+ Teachers: The number of educators who have completed specialized AI-focused training to deliver the new curriculum.
- 1 Million Students: The approximate number of students beginning the new academic year who will be part of this program.
- K-12 Implementation: AI education will be introduced to all government schools, from kindergarten to grade 12.
- 6 Key Areas: The school AI curriculum is built around six core pillars to ensure a comprehensive education.
A World-First National AI Curriculum
The UAE is implementing the world’s first nationwide mandatory AI curriculum at the primary and secondary education levels. Younger students in the first and second cycles (ages 6 to 14) will receive dedicated classes every two weeks, while older, third-cycle students (ages 14 to 18) will attend weekly sessions. The AI classes will operate as standalone subjects with their own dedicated time, ensuring focused attention on the topic.
A Comprehensive Approach to Teacher Training
To ensure the program’s success, the Ministry of Education conducted intensive training programs for the teachers over the summer. This process began with a gap analysis to assess readiness levels and was followed by specialized training. Teachers have been provided with comprehensive resources, including adaptable lesson plans, and will receive ongoing training and follow-up meetings. Dedicated monitoring committees have also been formed to ensure effective implementation across all schools.
Fostering Responsible and Ethical AI Use
The curriculum emphasizes the responsible and ethical use of AI while building future-ready skills. The program is structured around six key areas: fundamental concepts, software applications, ethical awareness, real-world applications, innovation and project design, and AI policies and community engagement. The Ministry has redesigned educator competency frameworks to help teachers nurture the cognitive, ethical, and practical skills students need, while also managing the risks of over-reliance on AI.
Aligning with National Strategy
This educational initiative is a key part of the UAE’s national AI strategy and follows the Cabinet’s approval for the nationwide rollout in May 2025. It complements other national programs like the seventh annual AI Camp, which recently concluded after engaging over 34,000 participants in AI and coding-focused activities.
Source: Middle East AI News
