Abu Dhabi: The UAE is set to become one of the first countries in the world to roll out a mandatory artificial intelligence (AI) curriculum across all public schools beginning in the 2025–2026 academic year. This strategic educational initiative is designed to equip students from kindergarten to Grade 12 with foundational and advanced AI skills, positioning the country at the forefront of global digital literacy.
The new AI curriculum will be integrated into the existing “Computing, Design and Innovation” subject, ensuring a seamless transition without extending instructional hours. Tailored to each academic level, the programme will introduce young learners to AI through stories, interactive games, and image recognition activities, while older students will engage with real-world AI applications, ethical challenges, and problem-solving projects.
The curriculum is structured around seven core themes: basic AI concepts, data literacy, algorithms, software use, social impact, innovation, and responsible design. One of the initiative’s goals is to prepare students to understand AI’s broader societal implications and apply its tools across various future career paths.
Teachers across the public school network will receive specialised training, with support materials including lesson plans, assessment frameworks, and adaptable project templates. The Ministry of Education aims to empower educators to confidently deliver content that balances technical understanding with creative expression and ethical awareness.
This reform reflects the UAE’s long-term digital transformation strategy, part of its commitment to building a knowledge-based economy. By embedding AI literacy early in the education journey, the nation is fostering a future workforce equipped for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Officials have stated that the programme will help close the gap between education and the emerging tech landscape, ensuring every student is ready to innovate and compete on a global scale.
