New literacy programme for Dubai private schools introduces AI across six core subjects
The initiative is expected to reach 80,500 students across the emirate by 2030
DUBAI – Dubai’s private school students are set to gain structured, practical lessons in artificial intelligence under a newly launched AI literacy programme.
Designed to build responsible AI understanding, the initiative targets Grades 6-8 (Years 7-9) and is expected to reach approximately 80,500 students, supported by around 3,600 teachers. Rather than being a standalone subject, AI learning will be integrated across everyday lessons, helping students use AI responsibly and think critically about technology.
The programme is a multi-year collaboration between the DP World Foundation, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Responsible AI for Social Empowerment and Education (MIT RAISE). Scheduled to run until February 2030, it will be delivered in phases, beginning with pilot schools and teacher training before expanding across Dubai’s private education sector.
Programme overview and objectives
The AI literacy programme focuses on giving students foundational understanding of AI, including how AI works, how outputs can be evaluated, and how to apply AI tools responsibly in schoolwork. Short, practical modules will be delivered across six subjects: Mathematics, Science, Computing, Art, English, and Arabic.
Students will explore the limitations, potential biases, and ethical considerations of AI, all within the context of everyday lessons. The programme aims to strengthen subject knowledge while simultaneously equipping students with digital literacy skills that will prepare them for future studies and the workforce.
Key partners leading the initiative
KHDA is overseeing the system-wide integration, ensuring alignment with Dubai’s Education 33 vision and Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which prioritise innovation, talent development, and future-ready skills. DP World Foundation supports the initiative as part of its focus on youth development, while MIT RAISE provides global expertise in AI literacy and curriculum design.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, emphasised the importance of preparing students for an AI-driven future while equipping teachers with tools to scale learning effectively. Aisha Miran, Director General of KHDA, highlighted that embedding AI learning across subjects encourages critical thinking, responsible use, and confidence in emerging technologies.
Learning pathways and student benefits
Teachers will receive classroom-ready resources, professional development, and guidance on assessments. A dedicated digital portal will provide AI tools suitable for supervised use, with safeguards for age-appropriate and responsible engagement.
The programme has two main components:
- AI Literacy for Grades 6-8: A cross-subject, short-format programme including curriculum, teacher professional development, and assessment tools.
- AI Enrichment for High School Students: Adapted from MIT’s Future Makers/Builders model, this hybrid programme runs four weeks online and one week in person during school breaks, featuring mentorship, team projects, and entrepreneurial-style pitch presentations for 40-100 students per session. Completion certificates and formative evaluation ensure measurable learning outcomes.
By integrating AI literacy into core subjects and providing teacher support, the programme aims to prepare students for the growing role of AI in education, work, and daily life, while helping teachers confidently lead lessons in an AI-enabled classroom.