The UAE has introduced a groundbreaking education reform, making Artificial Intelligence (AI) a compulsory subject in all state schools, starting from kindergarten. The initiative, which will take effect in the next academic year, guarantees that children as young as four will study AI right from the beginning. The policy was announced by Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Sheikh Mohammed’s decision highlights the nation’s commitment to equipping its youth with essential skills for a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Preparing Students for an AI-Powered Future
The United Arab Emirates has unveiled a ground-breaking initiative to include Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its national school curriculum. Starting in the 2026 academic year, AI will be required for all pupils enrolled in government-run schools, beginning in kindergarten. The announcement underlines the UAE’s long-standing desire to integrate AI into its social and economic fabric.
This program, led by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, embodies the country’s strategic vision of preparing its youth for the needs of a quickly changing digital landscape. In a message posted to his official X (previously Twitter) account, Sheikh Mohammed wrote,
As part of the UAE’s long-term plans to prepare future generations for a different future, a new world, and advanced skills, the UAE government today approved the final curriculum to introduce “Artificial Intelligence” as a subject across all stages of government education in the UAE, from kindergarten to grade 12, starting from the next academic year… Our responsibility is to equip our children for a time unlike ours, with conditions different from ours, and with new skills and capabilities that ensure the continued momentum of development and progress in our nation for decades to come.
The initiative will impact over 400,000 students in government schools, including kindergarten, making the UAE a global leader in early AI literacy. Developed by the Ministry of Education, the curriculum is based on seven foundational pillars, including AI policy and community engagement, Basic AI concepts, Data and algorithms, Effective software use, Ethical and social awareness, Real-world AI applications, and Innovation and project-based design
To ensure effective implementation, instructors will receive comprehensive lesson plans, activity templates, and adaptable resources designed to accommodate diverse learning styles. While this policy currently applies only to public institutions, the broader message is clear: the UAE is committed to leading the world in AI education.
From Play-Based Learning to Algorithm Design
The UAE has introduced a nationwide AI curriculum from kindergarten to grade twelve. This initiative equips students with technical skills and ethical awareness, preparing them for a tech-driven future.
Younger students will explore AI through interactive, play-based activities. Older students will study algorithms, data analysis, and AI bias. By Grade 12, they will complete hands-on projects applying AI to industries such as healthcare and energy.
The curriculum is divided into three cycles:
- Cycle 1 introduces AI concepts and digital thinking.
- Cycle 2 focuses on system design, algorithms, and ethics.
- Cycle 3 emphasizes real-world simulations and command engineering.
Expert teachers will guide AI education within a curriculum covering computing, creative design, and innovation. The Ministry will provide resources, including customizable lesson plans, interactive technologies, and age-appropriate activities for diverse learning environments. This program aligns with the UAE’s goal to prepare students for the future by fostering technical skills and ethical awareness.
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