
New curriculum from kindergarten to Grade 12
Dubai: In a landmark move aimed at future-proofing education, the UAE has officially approved the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a mandatory subject in all government schools from kindergarten through Grade 12 beginning next academic year.
The announcement came directly from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who shared the news via his official account on X (formerly Twitter). The Cabinet green-lit the final curriculum this week, signaling a bold shift in the nation’s educational priorities.
“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,” Sheikh Mohammed stated.
The new AI syllabus aims to go beyond just coding or robotics. It will immerse students in a deep understanding of algorithms, data, real-world applications, potential risks, and, notably, the ethics of artificial intelligence.
“We appreciate the Ministry of Education’s efforts in developing this comprehensive curriculum,” Sheikh Mohammed added. “Artificial intelligence will transform how the world lives. Our goal is to teach our children a technical foundation in AI while nurturing ethical awareness and societal understanding.”
The Vice President stressed that the initiative is part of a broader national strategy to equip young minds with the tools necessary to thrive in a world marked by rapid technological transformation. “Our responsibility is to prepare our children for a time unlike ours, with conditions different from ours, and with new skills and capabilities that will ensure the momentum of progress for decades to come,” he said.
The UAE’s forward-thinking curriculum overhaul follows a series of education-focused reforms and underscores the country’s ambition to position itself as a global hub for innovation, AI, and tech-driven development.