UAE's AI curriculum draws praise as 'first-mover advantage' in global education

Al Etihad

08-05-2025

8 May 2025 23:00
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)In the UAE, artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a niche skill, it's the new literacy. By embedding it in school lessons from kindergarten onward, the UAE has secured what experts call a critical first-mover advantage in preparing its next generation for a tech-powered future – with potential ripple effects across global education systems.His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Sunday announced that AI will be introduced as a subject across all stages of government education in the UAE, starting the next academic year.For Dr. Sonia Ben Jaafar, CEO of the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation, this move was "no surprise.""The UAE has clearly articulated a strategic vision for economic development through innovation, technology, and, most importantly, human capital," she told Aletihad.Tying the nation's big bets on AI to education is therefore not a sudden pivot, but rather a continuation of an established trajectory, Dr. Ben Jaafar said."The UAE's AI curriculum move is not just about technology. It's a statement of intention. They want learners to be smart consumers and developers of AI – not just passive users," she added.Dr. Annette Doms, Vice President at Venture AI Germany, called the UAE's move "one of the most forward-thinking shifts in education we've seen in decades.""The UAE is not just preparing students for tomorrow's workforce; it's redefining the foundation of what it means to be an educated citizen in an AI-driven world," she told Aletihad."This initiative absolutely sets a global precedent. It positions AI literacy as a new baseline – not a niche specialisation. Like reading, writing, and arithmetic, AI fluency is becoming a core cultural skill.Dr. Doms also pointed out that while most sectors have rapidly evolved, education has lagged behind – something she sees as increasingly risky in the age of AI."Educational transformation can't be incremental when technological change is exponential," she said. "By moving now, the UAE secures a first-mover advantage. Your students will graduate with years of AI exposure, while others are still debating policy."Baz Nijjar, Vice President of Education Technology and Digital Innovation at GEMS Education, noted that education often lags behind when new technologies emerge due to regulatory and logistical challenges."The UAE's proactive approach, with clear top-down guidance, ensures that our schools can integrate AI swiftly and effectively, reinforcing the country's position as a global innovation leader."Nijjar added that GEMS is already aligned with this move."We were the first group to open a centre of excellence for AI and robotics in Dubai American Academy," he said. "We've already trained all our teachers and students in AI, and even our principals are now using Microsoft CoPilot."
Future-ready Learners Yusra, an Emirati mother of four, told Aletihad: "I do think AI learning could help broaden my child's career prospects. But I hope the focus will remain on developing writing and reading skills in the early stages of school."Dr. Ben Jaafar addressed fears that AI education might lead to screen addiction or displace fundamental skills like reading."This isn't about giving a four-year-old a chatbot. It's a 13-year curriculum. In early years, kids will learn basic logic and problem-solving - the building blocks of AI," she said. "The goal is to raise ethical, agile learners who understand how AI shapes their lives and how to question it."Regardless of the technology, Nijjar noted that ensuring students are agile and adaptable remains a core aspect of adopted educational strategies."That means fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and a deep understanding of how the technology works and what it can do, so that our students become active contributors to its development."Maryam Al Thanhani, mother of a kindergarten student, welcomed early exposure. "If my child is properly introduced to AI now, it will help her become more creative and adaptable. By the time she's an adult, AI will be necessary in every field."She also hopes parents will be included in the transition. "We need to understand how AI is being taught, and how we can support our children at home."
Empowering Students to Shape AI Dr. Ben Jaafar added: "AI fluency will become a baseline skill for employability. Even if AI automates part of a job, understanding how it works will be essential to doing that job well."She noted that PwC projects that AI will contribute $320 billion to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) economy by 2030. McKinsey's Global Institute similarly found that 60% of jobs globally could see a third of the tasks automated.Fadi Abdulkhalek, Vice President and General Manager for the Middle East and Africa at PowerSchool, believes the initiative is key to preparing a workforce that doesn't just use AI, but shapes it."Integrating AI into the UAE's national curriculum is a forward-looking initiative that places students at the forefront of global innovation," he told Aletihad. "It ensures that learners are equipped with critical skills in data analysis, algorithmic thinking, and software application development, preparing them for a future where AI plays a central role in various industries."Teachers such as Komal Qureshi believe AI can unlock creativity in students."AI empowers students to move from passive users of technology to active creators. Through project-based learning, they can design AI-powered solutions to real-world problems – such as chatbots, smart assistants, or predictive tools for environmental monitoring."Early exposure also helps students develop future-proof skills such as critical thinking, digital fluency, and innovation, Qureshi added."With AI reshaping every sector, from healthcare to education, students who understand AI will be better prepared for both technical and non-technical roles. It also fosters adaptability and ethical awareness – essential traits in an AI-driven world."Dare Pitan, Digital Education Lead at University of Birmingham Dubai, noted that the key to successful AI integration in school curricula is ensuring teacher readiness, ethical grounding, age-appropriate and inclusive curriculum design, and accessibility."AI is here to stay, and research shows that student adoption continues to rise daily. Educators are calling for clear frameworks and guidance from leadership to effectively use AI and support students in using these tools ethically," Pitan said.
"Other countries can learn from the UAE's top-down leadership approach, which has offered clarity and a roadmap that education leaders deeply appreciate."