emirates7 - Equipping younger generations with knowledge of artificial intelligence (AI) has become a critical and strategic priority for any nation aiming for sustainable growth and long-term success.
In line with this, there is a rising global trend to integrate AI into school curricula at various educational levels.
Several countries have already taken proactive steps in this area. The UAE, for example, is set to introduce AI as a formal subject in all public schools, from kindergarten through Grade 12, starting with the 2025–2026 academic year.
China stands out as a leader in AI education, having begun to implement AI curricula in 40 model schools in 2018. The country also developed 14 ministry-approved textbooks and trained 5,000 specialized teachers. In March of this year, Beijing's educational authorities announced that AI courses will be incorporated into the curricula of primary and secondary schools starting next academic year. These lessons will include at least eight hours of AI instruction each year, either as standalone classes or integrated with subjects like information technology and science.
South Korea has also made significant progress, introducing AI as part of the high school curriculum in 2022. The program is now expanding to include kindergartens, elementary, and middle schools as of this year, as part of the country’s larger efforts to prepare students for a digital future.
Finland’s approach to integrating AI into its education system is widely regarded as a global model. The country’s strategy is notable for its inclusivity across age groups and its balance between theoretical knowledge and practical skills. This journey began with the University of Helsinki, which launched a free online AI course in 2018. The course gained immediate popularity, with over 1% of the Finnish population enrolling, and has since been translated into 22 languages, making it accessible to learners worldwide. This initiative has solidified Finland’s position as a leader in democratizing AI education.
Singapore has also established itself as a global hub for AI education, offering advanced programs that combine cutting-edge theory with hands-on practice. Its academic and training institutions emphasize key areas such as machine learning, robotics, and big data analytics.
In line with this, there is a rising global trend to integrate AI into school curricula at various educational levels.
Several countries have already taken proactive steps in this area. The UAE, for example, is set to introduce AI as a formal subject in all public schools, from kindergarten through Grade 12, starting with the 2025–2026 academic year.
China stands out as a leader in AI education, having begun to implement AI curricula in 40 model schools in 2018. The country also developed 14 ministry-approved textbooks and trained 5,000 specialized teachers. In March of this year, Beijing's educational authorities announced that AI courses will be incorporated into the curricula of primary and secondary schools starting next academic year. These lessons will include at least eight hours of AI instruction each year, either as standalone classes or integrated with subjects like information technology and science.
South Korea has also made significant progress, introducing AI as part of the high school curriculum in 2022. The program is now expanding to include kindergartens, elementary, and middle schools as of this year, as part of the country’s larger efforts to prepare students for a digital future.
Finland’s approach to integrating AI into its education system is widely regarded as a global model. The country’s strategy is notable for its inclusivity across age groups and its balance between theoretical knowledge and practical skills. This journey began with the University of Helsinki, which launched a free online AI course in 2018. The course gained immediate popularity, with over 1% of the Finnish population enrolling, and has since been translated into 22 languages, making it accessible to learners worldwide. This initiative has solidified Finland’s position as a leader in democratizing AI education.
Singapore has also established itself as a global hub for AI education, offering advanced programs that combine cutting-edge theory with hands-on practice. Its academic and training institutions emphasize key areas such as machine learning, robotics, and big data analytics.