The UAE launches a groundbreaking curriculum in the 2025–2026 academic year that includes AI education and national identity values across all school levels, led by the focus keyphrase.
ABU DHABI: As the 2025–2026 academic year begins across the UAE, the country is set to redefine school education by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) as a core subject alongside a renewed focus on national identity. Public schools will now teach AI to students from kindergarten through grade 12, making the UAE one of the world’s first countries to formally introduce AI education across all school levels.
The initiative is part of the UAE’s strategic push to equip its youth with future-ready skills and to remain globally competitive in an AI-driven world. The Ministry of Education has trained around 1,000 educators to implement the AI curriculum nationwide, which is structured around seven key focus areas, including data, algorithms, ethics, real-life applications, and innovation.
Designed to evolve with students’ learning stages, the AI programme is tailored for age-appropriate delivery and comprehension. The government hopes this move will empower students to better understand the technology shaping their world and to innovate responsibly.
Alongside AI integration, the new academic year also introduces mandatory Arabic, Islamic Education, and social concepts for kindergarteners in private schools, reinforcing national identity, language proficiency, and cultural grounding from early childhood.
Another major change is the rollout of a new standardised testing framework in public schools. This system targets students from grades 4 to 11, assessing core skills in Arabic, Mathematics, and English. It will help educators identify learning gaps and enhance educational outcomes nationwide, with an estimated 26,000 students participating in the first phase.
These updates reflect the UAE’s commitment to a future-forward, values-based education system. The integration of AI with cultural education showcases a unique balance of innovation and tradition, preparing the next generation to thrive in a rapidly evolving world while staying rooted in their heritage.
