ALBAWABA – The United Arab Emirates will soon introduce artificial intelligence (AI) education in schools. According to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, AI will be incorporated into the curriculum of government schools starting from the next academic year.
AI to be introduced in UAE schools next year
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced that artificial intelligence (AI) will be rolled out in UAE government schools starting next academic year, with lessons for students as young as 4 years old.
“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,” Sheikh Mohammed stated.
Artificial intelligence (AI) subjects will be introduced at all educational stages, from 4 years old (Reception) to 18 years old (Grade 12), to help students develop, comprehend, and understand the evolving global concept of AI.
There is no news yet regarding private schools, as the announcement specifically pertains to government schools across the country. Notably, Sheikh Mohammed also emphasized the importance of awareness and ethics in the field of AI, including understanding data, algorithms, applications, and the associated risks in education.
“We appreciate the efforts of the Ministry of Education in developing a comprehensive curriculum, affirming that artificial intelligence will transform the way the world lives. Our goal is to teach our children a deep understanding of AI from a technical perspective, while also fostering their awareness of the ethics of this new technology, enhancing their understanding of its data, algorithms, applications, risks, and its connection to society and life. 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,” added Sheikh Mohammed.
According to sources, the subjects will cover various teaching areas, including foundational concepts, data and algorithms, software use, ethical awareness, real-world applications, innovation and project design, and policies and community engagement.
The subjects will be divided based on students' age groups and introduced in three main cycles. In the first cycle, students will compare machines to humans, develop digital thinking skills, and explore AI applications.
Cycle two will focus on the design of AI systems, learning about algorithms, and understanding technology use and ethics. Cycle three will introduce students to command engineering.
The UAE Ministry of Education emphasized that comprehensive guides, activities, models, and lesson plans will be introduced and provided to dedicated teachers, who will be responsible for teaching AI as part of the Computing, Creative Design, and Innovation subject in schools.
