Abu Dhabi expands AI literacy programme across 170+ private schools

Abu Dhabi is stepping up efforts to prepare students for an AI-driven future, with the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) expanding its AI Literacy initiative across more than 170 private schools.

The programme is designed to build AI skills progressively, from kindergarten through Grade 12, while keeping student wellbeing and independent thinking at the centre.

In the early years, students develop critical and logical thinking through age-appropriate, screen-free activities.

As they get older, they gradually move on to using AI tools, evaluating AI-generated content, developing AI-powered solutions, and learning how these technologies should be governed responsibly.

By Grade 12, students are expected to move beyond simply using AI to designing AI systems and scalable solutions.

ADEK says the initiative is built around a human-centred approach, with AI supporting students’ thinking rather than replacing it.

Safeguards are also in place to prevent overreliance on AI and protect students’ ability to think, judge and make decisions independently.

The curriculum focuses on four areas: understanding AI, critically evaluating and interacting with it, designing AI solutions, and understanding responsible governance, privacy and wider social impact.

The framework has been informed by organisations including the OECD, MIT, Microsoft and Khalifa University of Science and Technology.

Students will progress through four AI learner stages — from becoming an AI Aware Explorer and AI Literate Thinker, to becoming an AI Solution Builder by Grade 8 and a Systems and Solutions Designer by Grade 12.

The initiative is also backed by ADEK’s Technology and AI Policy, which sets requirements for the responsible use of AI and digital technologies in private schools.

Safeguards cover areas including student privacy, academic integrity, human oversight, content safety, cultural alignment and algorithmic fairness.

Teachers are a key part of the rollout. ADEK is targeting 19,000 educators for AI training and upskilling through a three-level professional development programme.

The training ranges from foundational AI literacy and classroom applications, to more advanced training for department heads and designated AI leads in each school.

Overall, ADEK says the initiative represents a shift from simply introducing AI as a classroom tool to making AI literacy a core part of education — with the aim of developing students who can use AI critically, act responsibly and contribute to Abu Dhabi’s future.