The 2025-2026 school year in the United Arab Emirates brings a series of major updates announced by the Ministry of Education, aimed at improving the quality of the education system, balancing learning and family life, in line with global change, and strengthening the identity of the people from the early stages. The most important of these updates is the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) as a subject within public school systems.
The Ministry of Education has announced that artificial intelligence will be introduced as an official subject to begin in the 2025-2026 academic year in the national curriculum across public schools from kindergarten to 12th grade. The new curriculum is designed to introduce students to the concept of AI and its practical applications, and also raises awareness of its ethical aspects. The goal is to prepare a generation with the tools and skills of the future. The curriculum covers basic concepts, data and algorithms, software, ethical awareness, real-world applications, innovation and project design, policy and community engagement.
Educational approach
The ministry has confirmed that new subjects do not require additional lesson time as they will be integrated into the existing “Computing, Creative Design and Innovation” courses and will be taught by the same teacher. To support this, the ministry has developed an educational guide with ready-made lesson plans and practical activities that can be adapted to a variety of classroom settings.
From kindergarten, children are introduced to technology through visual activity and educational storytelling. In Cycle 1, students learn the basics of how machines work. Cycle 2 proceeds to model design and AI systems training. Cycle 3 also engages in rapid engineering and real-world applications in preparation for the higher education and job market.
Kindergarten to 12th grade
The integration of AI into school curriculums demonstrates qualitative change in global education. From the 2025-2026 grades, UAE students from all public schools will study artificial intelligence as the official subject from kindergarten to 12th grade.
The initiative aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand AI principles and their daily lives, in line with the nation's vision of younger generations being able to adapt to global change and drive innovative solutions.
1,000 teachers providing the curriculum
The Ministry of Education has made it clear that around 1,000 teachers will provide subject matter at different grade levels and ensure systematic implementation at all stages.
The UAE AI curriculum spans seven key areas: basic concepts, data and algorithms, software use, ethical awareness, real-world applications, innovation and project design, and policy and community engagement. This structure takes into account the knowledge and skills required at different age groups and at each stage of schooling.
This step has led the UAE to join pioneering countries around the world, making artificial intelligence the formal subject of school education.
Advanced AI Curriculum Programs
Minister of Education Sarah Al Amiri announced at a media briefing held in Dubai last week that the 2025-2026 academic year will gradually be introduced in schools. Under the plan, students in the first and second cycles will have one AI class every two weeks, while students in the third cycle will take part in one class every week. Over 1,000 professional teachers who have completed advanced training programs will provide subjects supported by dedicated committees tasked with monitoring the quality of education and ensuring the achievement of intended outcomes.
The curriculum is designed to prepare students to engage with artificial intelligence as an essential tool for both their daily lives and future careers, focusing on responsible and effective use that will enhance their skills and adaptability to future demands.
She explained that the curriculum is centered around two main pillars, the concept of computing and the concept of artificial intelligence, with an emphasis on practical and ethical aspects. In particular, ethics constitutes a quarter of the curriculum and aims to promote students' perceptions of the safe and responsible use of modern technology both in academic and daily contexts. Computing teachers are responsible for delivering AI curricula, providing lessons that have been expanded beyond schools in the UAE, providing valuable insight into the global education system.
The UAE is participating in the world's “educational revolution”
Globally, some countries are already beginning to embed AI into school curriculums as standalone subjects or as integrated into other courses. For example, India launched a “SOAR” initiative for students in 6th to 12th grade to promote AI literacy, while Singapore has integrated AI modules into the computer science curriculum at the primary level.
Australia has adopted a national AI framework for its schools, and the UK has launched its “TechFirst” program to train one million middle school students with AI skills. Similarly, several African countries, including Rwanda, have introduced the concept of AI within their technology curriculum. Egypt has also announced the adoption of artificial intelligence and programming as mandatory subjects for first-year junior high school students from this grade.
