The UAE will introduce AI into its public education curriculum, with plans to include AI fundamentals and ethical awareness for students from kindergarten to high school.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Education has announced plans to introduce AI education into the public school curriculum by 2025, with the aim of making the country a leading AI developer, state-run news outlet WAM reported. The planned courses will cover not only the fundamental concepts of AI, but also ethics and real-world applications.

Ministry of Education introduces AI curriculum in public schools starting from 2025-2026 academic year
https://www.wam.ae/en/article/bji6z2n-ministry-education-introduces-curriculum-public

UAE Rolls Out AI for Schoolkids in New Push for Sector Forefront - Bloomberg
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-05-04/uae-rolls-out-ai-for-schoolkids-in-new-push-for-sector-forefront?embedded-checkout=true

The curriculum, which will be implemented for kindergarten through third grade in the 2025-2026 school year, will be implemented in partnership with Middle Eastern AI company G42, Mohammed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), and Emirates University of Higher Education. 'This important national initiative will support the UAE's efforts to become a global leader in AI and digital transformation,' WAM said.

The AI curriculum will cover seven key areas: Fundamentals, Data and Algorithms, Software Applications, Ethics, Real-World Applications, Innovation and Project Design, and Policy and Community Engagement. It aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills appropriate for each grade level, starting from kindergarten, with the goal of graduating from public schools mastering the fundamentals of AI and applying them to everyday life.

The curriculum is broadly divided into four stages. In kindergarten, children will participate in 'visual and interactive activities' and learn about AI and digital technologies through stories and play. Cycle 1 develops digital thinking skills by comparing machines and humans. Cycle 2 focuses on designing and evaluating AI systems, bias and algorithms, and ethical use. Cycle 3 teaches command engineering and simulates real-world applications.

These courses will not require additional class time and will be seamlessly integrated into existing school curricula as part of Computing, Creative Design and Innovation subjects, under the guidance of designated teachers.

'Introducing AI to all public schools is a strategic step to modernize educational tools and empower a younger generation who understand technology ethics and can develop smart, local solutions to the challenges of the future,' said Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education.

He added: 'Integrating AI into education reflects the UAE government's forward-thinking vision, strengthening its global leadership in innovation and technology-driven education, and supporting its goal of building a knowledge-based society and competitive digital economy driven by a skilled national talent.'

Sheikha Mariam bint Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice-Chairperson of the Council for Education, Human and Community Development, said: 'Integrating AI into school curricula at all levels is not just an education reform, it is a strategic investment in young minds, empowering them to become architects of the future they will inherit and help shape.'

Bloomberg, an economic media outlet, argued that 'NVIDIA is considering relaxing restrictions on semiconductor sales to the UAE, which, if realized, would increase the UAE's chances of gaining an advantage in the AI race.'