In a landmark move to prepare future generations for an increasingly digital world, the United Arab Emirates has announced that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be introduced as a subject across all public schools from kindergarten to Grade 12 starting next academic year.
The announcement was made on Sunday by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, via a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). He described the initiative as part of the country’s long-term strategy to prepare its youth for “a different future and a new world.”
“The goal is not only to provide technical knowledge of artificial intelligence,” Sheikh Mohammed stated, “but also to ensure that students understand its ethical implications, applications, risks, and relevance to society.”
The comprehensive curriculum will cover key areas such as data and algorithms, software applications, ethical considerations in AI, real-world uses of AI, AI-driven innovation, project design, and the development of AI policies and social responsibility.
Minister of Education Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri emphasized that the initiative is designed to build foundational knowledge from the early years of education. “We will equip our educators with detailed resources, including activities, templates, and adaptable lesson plans to meet diverse classroom needs,” she said.
The AI curriculum forms part of a broader national effort to embrace emerging technologies and ensure the UAE remains at the forefront of innovation. Last year, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, announced the launch of a training programme to upskill teachers in AI as part of the Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence (DUB.AI).
This programme aims to ensure that schools have educators who are proficient in AI and its practical applications, thereby supporting the rollout of the new subject across the emirate.
The UAE has consistently positioned itself as a regional leader in technology adoption, having previously appointed the world’s first Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence in 2017. With the integration of AI into public school curricula, the country continues to strengthen its position as a forward-thinking hub of education and innovation.
“This is not just a curriculum update—it’s a generational investment,” Sheikh Mohammed added. “Our responsibility is to prepare our children for a future that looks very different from our present.”
