UAE to introduce AI in classrooms from Kindergarten to Grade 12
Students to learn AI basics through stories, games, and interactive activities
ABU DHABI: The UAE Ministry of Education has announced the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a formal subject across all government schools, from kindergarten through Grade 12, starting with the 2025–2026 academic year.
This major educational reform aims to equip students with foundational and advanced AI knowledge, ensuring they are prepared to engage with the technologies shaping the modern world.
The decision reflects the UAE’s strategy to integrate digital innovation into every aspect of national development, including youth education and empowerment.
Ministry of Education introduces AI curriculum in public schools starting from 2025-2026 academic year pic.twitter.com/PZEOicV7P1
— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) May 4, 2025
How will AI be taught to young learners?
The curriculum is structured around seven key themes: data and algorithms, software applications, ethical awareness, real-world AI use, AI innovation and project design, AI policies, and community engagement.
In kindergarten, children will encounter AI concepts through stories, visuals, and interactive play.
As students progress to early primary levels, they will begin comparing machine and human thinking, developing early digital awareness.
Middle schoolers will analyse algorithmic bias and dive into design and ethics, while high school students will explore command engineering and solve real-world problems using advanced AI.
What resources will teachers get?
To support implementation, the Ministry will provide comprehensive teaching materials – including adaptable lesson plans, classroom activities, and evaluation models.
AI instruction will be integrated into the existing “Computing, Creative Design, and Innovation” subject and will not require additional class hours.
The programme is being developed in collaboration with leading national institutions including the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), AI71, and Emirates College for Advanced Education.
This support ensures both teachers and students receive consistent guidance and practical exposure to AI topics aligned with international standards.
Why is the UAE taking this leap now?
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, underscored the nation’s strategic intent in a tweet shared on Sunday: “As part of the UAE’s long-term plans to prepare future generations for a different future, a new world, and advanced skills, the UAE government today approved the final curriculum to introduce ‘Artificial Intelligence’ as a subject across all stages of government education in the UAE, from kindergarten to grade 12, starting from the next academic year.”
As part of the UAE’s long-term plans to prepare future generations for a different future, a new world, and advanced skills, the UAE government today approved the final curriculum to introduce “Artificial Intelligence” as a subject across all stages of government education in the…
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) May 4, 2025
The tweet affirms the government’s focus on future-proofing education by equipping students not only with technical knowledge but also with ethical and societal awareness around AI technologies.
This move places the UAE among the first countries globally to embed AI education systematically across all school stages.
Who else is driving AI education in the UAE?
The Dubai AI Academy, launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, aims to further boost AI literacy through professional training.
Part of the Dubai AI Campus in DIFC Innovation Hub, the academy plans to train 10,000 individuals in collaboration with global institutions like Oxford Saïd Business School and Udacity.
Programmes include “AI for Civil Service” and “Leadership in the Age of AI”, focusing on the ethical and strategic use of AI in both public and private sectors.
Together with the new school curriculum, this initiative forms a comprehensive approach to building a digitally fluent and innovation-driven society.