In a landmark move to foster a future-ready generation, the UAE has announced the integration of a comprehensive artificial intelligence curriculum across all public schools. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Education, will see AI become a formal subject for students from kindergarten through to Grade 12, starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. To mark the strategic launch, national postal service Emirates Post has issued a commemorative four-stamp collection.
This nationwide programme is designed to equip approximately 300,000 students with a foundational understanding of AI principles and their real-world applications. The initiative underscores the UAE’s commitment to developing its human capital and solidifying its position as a global leader in digital transformation and the knowledge-based economy.
A Foundational Shift in National Education
The UAE is among the first countries globally to systematically integrate AI as a core subject across all school grades. This represents a significant shift from offering optional technology programmes to embedding digital literacy and AI understanding as fundamental components of the national education framework, on par with traditional subjects.
The Ministry of Education has also prioritised the development of appropriate frameworks and teacher training programmes to ensure the curriculum is delivered effectively, with a strong emphasis on child safety and the ethical use of AI. This strategic approach aims to prepare students for the demands of technology-driven economies and cultivate critical thinking and problem-solving skills from an early age.
Curriculum and Implementation Details
The new AI curriculum was developed in partnership with prominent technology and academic institutions, including G42’s Presight, AI71, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), and the Emirates College for Advanced Education.
The curriculum is structured around seven key areas, including foundational concepts, data and algorithms, ethical awareness, and practical applications. To ensure a seamless rollout, the age-appropriate units will be integrated into the existing “Computing, Creative Design and Innovation” subject, eliminating the need for additional teaching hours and fitting within the current school schedule.
About The UAE AI Curriculum Initiative
The UAE AI Curriculum Initiative is a national educational programme launched by the UAE Ministry of Education to make artificial intelligence a formal subject in all public schools. Set to launch in the 2025-2026 academic year, it will cover all grades from kindergarten to Grade 12. The initiative aims to equip the nation’s youth with essential AI skills and knowledge, aligning with the country’s strategic goals for digital transformation and building a competitive, innovation-driven economy.
Source: Middle East AI News
