In a bold move that cements its position as a forward-thinking nation, the UAE has announced that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will become a compulsory subject across all levels of government education — from kindergarten to Year 12. The decision, which comes as part of the country’s wider ambition to lead in digital innovation and AI-driven economies, is expected to reshape not just classrooms, but the nation’s future workforce.
Education leaders, universities, and workforce experts have welcomed the announcement, describing it as timely, necessary and transformative. However, the initiative also raises important questions about infrastructure readiness, teacher training, curriculum development and ethical considerations. We spoke to industry professionals to get their take on this landmark decision and what it could mean for the UAE’s next generation.
By Kasun Illankoon, Editor-in-Chief at Tech Revolt
A Future-Ready Generation
For Alistair Jarvis CBE, Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University of London, the UAE’s decision represents far more than a curriculum update. “The UAE’s decision to embed AI into the school curriculum is an important step in preparing students for a technology-driven future,” he stated. “It is a swift and decisive response to a technology that is changing our society and economy faster than ever. By normalising AI literacy from a young age, the country is cultivating a generation that doesn’t just consume technology, but builds and innovates with it. This early exposure lays the groundwork for a thriving domestic research ecosystem and supports the UAE’s ambition to become a global hub for AI-driven innovation.”
Jarvis emphasised that while technical skills are vital, so too is the need for a balanced skillset. “To be truly prepared for the AI workforce of tomorrow, students will need a fusion of technical and human-centric skills. Core competencies should include data literacy, computational thinking and ethical reasoning, alongside creativity, adaptability and interdisciplinary collaboration.”
Inside the Classroom
From a school leadership perspective, Anishkaa Malpani, Director at Dhruv Global School in Dubai, sees both exciting prospects and practical hurdles ahead. “Embedding AI into the curriculum from kindergarten to Year 12 presents a range of promising opportunities alongside significant challenges,” she explained.
Malpani pointed to the potential for personalised learning pathways, AI-driven engagement tools and real-time analytics to transform the classroom experience. “AI improves accessibility, supports students with diverse learning needs and builds future-ready skills such as algorithmic thinking, digital fluency and ethical reasoning,” she said.
However, challenges remain. “Infrastructure gaps, especially in remote areas, designing age-appropriate content and ensuring teacher preparedness are major concerns,” Malpani added. She highlighted that to meaningfully engage with AI education, a structured and inclusive approach is needed, combining technical training, ongoing mentorship and creating safe spaces for both teachers and students to experiment and learn.
Echoing this, Deepika Thapar, CEO and Principal at Credence High School Dubai, said their institution has already taken steps in this direction by offering AI/STEM classes from Grade 1. “This offers exciting opportunities to build critical thinking, creativity and digital fluency from a young age,” she noted. Yet, she acknowledged the complexity in keeping content both ethically grounded and age-appropriate while keeping pace with fast-evolving technology.
“We support our teachers through regular training and workshops, ensuring they’re confident and up-to-date. Students learn through hands-on, real-world projects, making AI and STEM both engaging and relevant. At Credence, we believe in teaching AI not just as a tool, but as a responsibility,” Thapar said.
A Workforce in Transition
As AI reshapes industries and careers globally, preparing the future workforce is as crucial as equipping classrooms. According to education leaders, initiatives like this one help bridge the gap between learning environments and the demands of a rapidly changing job market. By introducing AI from the earliest stages of education, the UAE is investing in a generation capable of navigating — and leading — in a world where technology and human skills must coexist.
