Dubai launches multi-year AI literacy programme for private schools at World Governments Summit 2026
Dubai has introduced a major AI literacy programme for private schools that will reach an estimated 80,500 students by February 2030. The initiative is a partnership between the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), DP World Foundation and MIT RAISE.
The focus: build responsible AI fluency for Grades 6-8 (Years 7-9) and equip teachers with practical training, classroom resources and assessments that fit into core subjects. Around 3,600 teachers will support delivery through a phased rollout across Dubai's private schools.
The announcement was made at the World Governments Summit 2026, which hosts its largest leadership participation to date and concludes on 5 February.
What students will learn
Short, practical modules will be embedded into six subjects so AI becomes part of everyday learning, not an add-on. Students will learn how AI works, how to check AI outputs and how to use AI tools responsibly in classwork.
- Subjects: Maths, Science, Computing, Art, English and Arabic
- Approach: bite-sized modules, in-class activities and assessments tied to subject outcomes
How teachers will be supported
Educators will get classroom-ready resources, professional development and clear implementation guidance. A curated portal of age-appropriate AI tools will be available for supervised use, keeping safety and responsible practice front and center.
Two-track model
- AI Literacy for Dubai Private Schools (Grades 6-8): Cross-subject, short-format modules with curriculum, teacher PD and assessments embedded into existing lessons.
- AI Enrichment for High School (FutureBuilders-style): A hybrid programme adapted from MIT's model-four weeks online plus one week in person, with mentorship, team capstones and pitch-style presentations. Each session serves 40-100 students and includes completion certificates and formative evaluation.
Rollout plan
Phase one will co-design with selected schools so teacher experience shapes the model. Classroom pilots and training follow, then a broader rollout across Dubai's private schools through 2030.
Why this matters for school leaders
This programme ties AI skills to real classroom outcomes-clear, practical, and accountable. It builds student confidence with AI while giving teachers the tools to teach it responsibly at scale.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO, DP World: "AI will shape every industry, and every job. Dubai's long-term competitiveness depends on talent, and that starts in the classroom. Supporting this programme is about giving young people in Dubai the practical skills to understand AI, question it and use it responsibly, while giving teachers the tools and training to bring that learning into everyday lessons at scale."
Aisha Miran, Director General, KHDA: "The collaboration with DP World and MIT RAISE reflects Dubai's Education 33 vision and the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which place future-ready skills, talent development and innovation at the heart of our growth. By embedding AI literacy across everyday learning, we are preparing students not just to use emerging technologies, but to think critically, act responsibly and contribute confidently to a fast-evolving economy. At the same time, we are supporting teachers with the tools, training and confidence they need to lead learning in an AI-enabled world."
Professor Cynthia Breazeal, Director, MIT RAISE: "MIT RAISE's mission is to expand access to AI literacy for all learners. This programme builds on what we've learned around the world and adapts it to Dubai's context; supporting responsible practice, building local capacity and giving students the confidence to engage with AI in meaningful ways."
What to do next
- Identify lead teachers per subject for early adoption and feedback.
- Audit current curriculum units in Grades 6-8 to slot in short AI modules with minimal disruption.
- Prepare safeguarding protocols for supervised use of AI tools in class.
- Plan for ongoing PD cycles so learnings from pilots turn into school-wide practice.
For additional upskilling options for education teams, see curated AI courses by job role.
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