Artificial Intelligence Educational Program to Be Implemented Across All School Levels Starting Next Academic Year in UAE
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to revolutionize its educational system by introducing an Artificial Intelligence (AI) curriculum across all levels of public education, starting from the 2025-2026 academic year. This groundbreaking move, announced by the Ministry of Education, aims to prepare future generations with advanced skills for a rapidly evolving digital world.
As part of this initiative, AI will be taught as a formal subject in public schools from kindergarten to grade 12, with a structured curriculum covering various aspects of AI. The curriculum is divided into three cycles, each tailored to different age groups.
The first cycle will introduce students to the comparison between machines and humans, emphasizing digital thinking and AI applications. The second cycle will guide students through designing AI systems, addressing algorithmic bias, and promoting ethical technology use. The third cycle will focus on command engineering, using real-world simulations for practical skills in higher education and future careers.
The curriculum covers seven key areas: foundational concepts, data and algorithms, software usage, ethical awareness, real-world applications, innovation and project design, and policies and community engagement. The new AI courses will be delivered by designated teachers as part of the Computing, Creative Design, and Innovation subject.
While private schools are not explicitly required to implement the AI curriculum, the broader educational reforms in the UAE may influence their approach to incorporating AI and digital literacy into their curricula. Private schools are required to teach Arabic, Islamic Education, and social concepts from the kindergarten stage to reinforce national identity and cultural values.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, emphasized the importance of teaching children a deep understanding of AI from a technical perspective, while also fostering their awareness of the ethics of this new technology. The Ministry of Education will provide detailed instructional guides, including adaptable lesson plans, models, and classroom activities for various learning environments to support implementation.
It is not specified whether private schools in the UAE will be required to implement the new AI curriculum and offer AI courses. However, the influence of this educational reform may lead to a growing emphasis on AI and digital literacy in private schools as well.
The AI curriculum does not appear to include any cryptocurrency or blockchain-related content. The introduction of this curriculum is part of the UAE's broader strategy to position itself as a global hub for technology and innovation.
This news is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. The UAE's commitment to technology education underscores its vision for a future where technology drives progress and innovation, and its citizens are equipped with the skills to navigate and thrive in this digital age.
In this new AI-focused educational system, private schools might also incorporate AI and digital literacy into their curricula, following the broader reforms in the UAE. Furthermore, while the AI curriculum in the UAE does not include cryptocurrency or blockchain-related content, it is part of the country's broader strategy to establish itself as a global hub for technology and innovation, emphasizing science, technology, education-and-self-development, and general digital literacy.
