UAE Makes AI Mandatory in Schools: How Teachers and Students Are Preparing for a Digital Future
The UAE will make AI education mandatory from kindergarten to Grade 12 starting in 2025, focusing on age-appropriate learning and ethical awareness. Teachers need proper training to effectively engage young students with AI concepts.

Teachers in the UAE Face Challenges Explaining AI to Kindergarteners
As the UAE prepares to make artificial intelligence (AI) a mandatory subject from the 2025–2026 academic year, education experts warn that teachers may struggle to explain AI concepts to kindergarteners without proper tools and training. Early AI education requires age-appropriate language, relevant resources, and confidence in connecting the material to daily life.
Alistair Jarvis CBE, Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University of London in Dubai, emphasizes the need for supporting teachers with effective training. “Explaining AI to very young learners requires age-appropriate language and resources, as well as confidence in how to relate these concepts meaningfully to the classroom and to everyday life,” he explains.
UAE Makes AI Education Mandatory in All Public Schools from Kindergarten to Grade 12
The UAE recently announced that AI will be compulsory across all public schools, making it one of the first countries to integrate AI education starting from kindergarten through Grade 12. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum highlighted the importance of this move to prepare children for a future with rapidly changing conditions.
The AI curriculum covers seven key areas:
- Foundational concepts
- Data and algorithms
- Software use
- Ethical awareness
- Real-world applications
- Innovation and project design
- Policies and community engagement
Each age group will have tailored units. Kindergarten students will engage with visual and interactive activities through stories and play, while older students will explore AI systems design, ethical use, and real-world simulations. The curriculum will be integrated into existing subjects like Computing, Creative Design, and Innovation, without adding extra teaching hours.
What UAE Educators Need for AI Education Success
Teachers require structured training not only on AI’s capabilities but also on its ethical use and integration into lessons. Jarvis points out concerns about children over-relying on AI outputs without critical thinking. “Ensuring teachers are comfortable with AI is key to helping students use it as a positive learning tool,” he says.
Kathryn Booth, Director of the School of Qualifications at Pearson MENA, notes that young children often attribute human qualities to AI tools, which can lead to uncritical trust. However, she sees this as an opportunity to foster digital literacy early by introducing age-appropriate AI concepts that encourage exploration and critical thinking.
Professional Development Requirements for UAE AI Teaching Programme
Effective AI education demands comprehensive professional development. Teachers need more than technical knowledge—they must understand pedagogy, ethics, and practical AI applications. Booth stresses ongoing support through digital platforms, peer collaboration, and partnerships with edtech providers.
Rami Abu Arja, Senior Innovation Marketing Manager at Yasmina, highlights the importance of integrating AI across subjects rather than treating it as isolated content. He also stresses the inclusion of topics like data privacy and fairness from the start. Teacher training is critical to the success of these initiatives.
UAE AI Skills Prepare Students for $46 Billion Market by 2030
Early AI education positions students for success in a future job market where AI literacy is essential. Abu Arja explains that as industries such as healthcare and finance increasingly adopt AI, students with early AI skills will have a competitive edge.
Booth cites research showing that 66% of business leaders prefer candidates with AI skills. She also points out that AI can save workers millions of hours on routine tasks, making it a vital part of many professions. The UAE’s AI market is expected to reach $46.33 billion by 2030, making this education initiative a strategic move for economic growth.
How UAE AI Education Compares to Singapore, South Korea, and China
The UAE joins countries like Singapore, South Korea, and China in implementing AI education early on. Jarvis notes that the UAE’s approach is bold and integrated, starting from kindergarten, which aligns with its long-term goals such as the UAE Centennial 2071.
Booth adds that many countries emphasize ethics, critical thinking, and real-world applications in their AI curricula. The UAE’s proactive strategy sets it apart as a leader in the region.
Data Protection and Equal Access Among Key Challenges in AI School Implementation
Experts acknowledge challenges like ensuring equal access to AI tools and addressing parental concerns about screen time. Booth stresses the need for careful planning and resource allocation to bridge home technology gaps. Abu Arja emphasizes open, responsible communication with parents.
There is a Need for Ethical AI Education
Ethics are central to AI education. Jarvis advocates starting conversations on fairness, data privacy, and bias at an early age. Teaching when and how to use AI builds digital literacy and critical thinking.
Abu Arja supports interactive learning methods to engage students in ethical AI use. He highlights examples like role-playing games on AI fairness that foster deeper understanding than traditional lectures. Sharing stories of ethical AI use can inspire students to apply these lessons positively.
Moreover, the UAE’s AI Initiative Will Influence Broader Regional Educational Shifts
The UAE’s AI education program could influence neighboring countries, setting a regional example. Abu Arja points out that the UAE often leads technological innovation in the Middle East, encouraging others to follow.
Booth projects that AI’s potential $320 billion impact on the regional economy by 2030 will prompt more education systems to adopt similar programs, especially those focusing on economic diversification and developing high-skill talent.
The UAE has partnered with organisations including Presight (a G42 company), AI71, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, and Emirates College for Advanced Education to support technology adoption in education. This initiative represents a significant investment in building a future-ready workforce.
For educators looking to enhance their AI teaching skills, exploring professional development options can be valuable. Platforms like Complete AI Training offer courses that cover AI fundamentals, ethics, and practical classroom applications tailored for various skill levels.