emirates7 - The global education landscape is undergoing a major transformation as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly embedded in school systems.
Starting from the 2025–2026 academic year, AI will be introduced as a dedicated subject in UAE public schools for all grade levels, from kindergarten through grade 12.
The initiative is designed to equip students with essential knowledge of AI principles and practical skills for everyday use, reflecting the UAE’s strategy to prepare youth for rapid global changes and encourage innovative thinking.
According to the Ministry of Education, around 1,000 teachers will deliver the AI curriculum across all stages, ensuring nationwide implementation. The programme covers seven main areas: basic concepts, data and algorithms, software applications, ethical considerations, real-world uses, innovation and project design, and policies with community engagement.
The curriculum has been tailored to match students’ developmental stages, with knowledge and skills advancing progressively as they move through the grades. With this step, the UAE joins the ranks of the world’s leading nations to introduce AI as a core subject in school education.
Globally, several countries are also integrating AI into classrooms, either as standalone courses or embedded within existing subjects.
The new academic year officially begins on Monday, August 25, 2025, with several updates reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to building a modern, innovative education system that aligns with national priorities and boosts international competitiveness.
In addition, this year marks the enforcement of new requirements for private schools to teach Arabic, Islamic Education, and social studies in kindergarten. The move aims to instill national identity, language proficiency, and early awareness of family, community, and local geography among children.
As part of its national testing system, the Ministry also announced a new standardised proficiency exam for students in grades 4 to 11 in public schools. The test will measure core skills in Arabic, Mathematics, and English, beginning with 26,000 students in its first phase.
This assessment will help identify students’ strengths and weaknesses, close learning gaps, and provide the Ministry with a clearer picture of academic performance in these critical subjects.
Starting from the 2025–2026 academic year, AI will be introduced as a dedicated subject in UAE public schools for all grade levels, from kindergarten through grade 12.
The initiative is designed to equip students with essential knowledge of AI principles and practical skills for everyday use, reflecting the UAE’s strategy to prepare youth for rapid global changes and encourage innovative thinking.
According to the Ministry of Education, around 1,000 teachers will deliver the AI curriculum across all stages, ensuring nationwide implementation. The programme covers seven main areas: basic concepts, data and algorithms, software applications, ethical considerations, real-world uses, innovation and project design, and policies with community engagement.
The curriculum has been tailored to match students’ developmental stages, with knowledge and skills advancing progressively as they move through the grades. With this step, the UAE joins the ranks of the world’s leading nations to introduce AI as a core subject in school education.
Globally, several countries are also integrating AI into classrooms, either as standalone courses or embedded within existing subjects.
The new academic year officially begins on Monday, August 25, 2025, with several updates reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to building a modern, innovative education system that aligns with national priorities and boosts international competitiveness.
In addition, this year marks the enforcement of new requirements for private schools to teach Arabic, Islamic Education, and social studies in kindergarten. The move aims to instill national identity, language proficiency, and early awareness of family, community, and local geography among children.
As part of its national testing system, the Ministry also announced a new standardised proficiency exam for students in grades 4 to 11 in public schools. The test will measure core skills in Arabic, Mathematics, and English, beginning with 26,000 students in its first phase.
This assessment will help identify students’ strengths and weaknesses, close learning gaps, and provide the Ministry with a clearer picture of academic performance in these critical subjects.