UAE introduces AI lessons for public school students

Artificial Intelligence will be taught to public school students "from kindergarten to grade 12" starting the 2025-26 academic year.

Making the announcement on Sunday, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said it is part of the "UAE’s long-term plans to prepare future generations for a different future (and) a new world".

The move will equip students with the essential knowledge and skills required to understand AI concepts and apply them in everyday life, as part of the UAE’s focus on empowering youth to adapt to evolving global trends and drive innovation. It also positions the UAE among the first countries to introduce AI in school curricula.

Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, Minister of Education, said the "new AI curriculum (will) seamlessly integrate into current school schedules, requiring no additional class time" and will feature "age-appropriate learning modules".

It will be taught by designated teachers as part of the Computing, Creative Design, and Innovation subject.

She explained that the seven key areas covered will include "data and algorithms, software application, ethical awareness in AI, real-world AI applications, AI-driven innovation and project design and AI policies and social engagement".

Teachers will be provided comprehensive resources from the Ministry of Education. It will include "activities, templates and ready-to-use lesson plans adaptable to diverse class settings".

Ministry of Education introduces AI curriculum in public schools starting from 2025-2026 academic year pic.twitter.com/PZEOicV7P1

— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) May 4, 2025

The goal

"Our goal is to teach our children a deep understanding of AI from a technical perspective, while also fostering their awareness of the ethics of this new technology, enhancing their understanding of its data, algorithms, applications, risks, and its connection to society and life," Sheikh Mohammed said on social media.

"Our responsibility is to equip our children for a time unlike ours, with conditions different from ours, and with new skills and capabilities that ensure the continued momentum of development and progress in our nation for decades to come."

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 AI lessons

The curriculum offers tailored units for each age group, starting with kindergarten, where children engage in visual and interactive activities to discover AI and other digital technologies through stories and play.

In Cycle 1, students compare machines to humans, develop digital thinking skills, and explore AI applications.

In Cycle 2, students design and evaluate AI systems, learn about bias and algorithms, and focus on ethical AI use.

Cycle 3 prepares students for higher education and careers by teaching command engineering and simulating real-world scenarios