UAE schools to introduce Artificial Intelligence curriculum from 2025–2026

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

The UAE’s Ministry of Education has announced the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an official subject in public schools, starting with the 2025–2026 academic year. The initiative will see AI integrated across all grade levels, from kindergarten through Grade 12, marking a major step in equipping students with future-ready skills.

The new curriculum is designed to familiarize students with AI concepts and their practical applications, while raising awareness of ethical considerations. It spans seven key areas: fundamental concepts, data and algorithms, software use, ethical awareness, real-world applications, innovation and project design, and policies and community engagement.

Teaching approach and implementation
AI will be taught as part of the existing “Computing, Creative Design, and Innovation” course, so no additional class hours are required. The Ministry has developed comprehensive teaching guides, ready-made lesson plans, and hands-on activities to ensure effective delivery across different classroom settings.

Students will be introduced to AI concepts in age-appropriate ways: kindergarteners will engage with technology through visual activities and educational storytelling; Cycle One students will learn basic machine operations; Cycle Two students will design models and train AI systems; and Cycle Three students will focus on prompt engineering and real-world AI applications.

Around 1,000 teachers, who have undergone advanced training, will deliver the curriculum under the supervision of a dedicated committee responsible for monitoring teaching quality and ensuring learning outcomes. Students in the first and second cycles will attend one AI class every two weeks, while Cycle Three students will have one weekly session.

Preparing students for the future
The AI curriculum aims to equip students with knowledge and skills to understand and interact with artificial intelligence responsibly and effectively. Ethics will constitute a significant part of the program, helping students develop safe and responsible use of AI technologies in both academic and everyday contexts.

Minister of Education Sarah Al Amiri said the initiative reflects the UAE’s commitment to innovation and global leadership in education, preparing students to adapt to rapidly changing technological landscapes.

Global context
The UAE joins a growing list of countries incorporating AI into school education. India, Singapore, Australia, the UK, Egypt, and several African nations have introduced AI concepts either as standalone subjects or integrated into broader technology curricula, highlighting a global shift toward preparing students for AI-driven futures.

With this step, the UAE positions itself at the forefront of the “educational revolution,” aiming to nurture a generation capable of leveraging AI to drive innovation and contribute to national development.