Artificial Intelligence education to be integrated into UAE schools starting from the forthcoming academic term.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to revolutionise global education by introducing Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a formal subject in public schools, starting from the 2025-2026 academic year.

The new curriculum, designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to understand AI principles and their daily-life applications, is structured around two main pillars: computing concepts and artificial intelligence concepts. With an emphasis on practical and ethical dimensions, the curriculum aims to raise awareness of AI's ethical dimensions while introducing students to its concepts and applications.

The UAE's Ministry of Education has developed teaching guides with ready-made lesson plans and hands-on activities adaptable to different classroom settings. These resources will be delivered by more than 1,000 specialized teachers, who have completed advanced training programs, ensuring a high-quality teaching standard.

The new subject will not require additional class hours, as it will be integrated into the existing "Computing, Creative Design, and Innovation" course. For students in the first and second cycles, one AI class will be held every two weeks, while students in the third cycle will attend one class weekly.

Ethics will constitute a quarter of the curriculum, aimed at fostering students' awareness of safe and responsible use of modern technologies in both academic and daily contexts. By Cycle Three, students will engage with prompt engineering and real-world applications, preparing them for higher education and the job market.

The AI curriculum covers seven key domains: fundamental concepts, data and algorithms, software, ethical awareness, real-world applications, innovation and project design, and policies and community engagement. This comprehensive approach ensures that students gain a well-rounded understanding of AI and its applications.

The UAE's move to integrate AI into school curricula is part of a global trend. Countries such as India, Singapore, Australia, the UK, and Egypt have already begun embedding AI into their school curricula. The UAE's initiative, however, is unique in its scope, covering students from kindergarten to Grade 12.

From kindergarten, children will be introduced to technology through visual activities and educational storytelling. This early introduction aims to foster a lifelong interest in technology and AI, setting the foundation for future innovation.

The integration of AI into school curricula marks a qualitative transformation in global education, preparing students for a future where AI will play an increasingly important role. The UAE's AI curriculum extends beyond its schools, contributing valuable insights to the global education system. A dedicated committee will monitor teaching quality and ensure the achievement of the intended outcomes, ensuring the success of this ambitious initiative.