The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to introduce artificial intelligence (AI) education across all school levels, including kindergarten, in a groundbreaking move to position itself as a global leader in technology. The announcement was made by Dubai ruler and UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who emphasized the nation’s commitment to preparing its youth for a rapidly changing world.
“Our goal is to teach our children a deep understanding of AI from a technical perspective, while also fostering their awareness of the ethics of this new technology,” Sheikh Mohammed stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday. “Our responsibility is to equip our children for a time unlike ours, with conditions different from ours,” he added.
Beginning in the next academic year, AI lessons will be incorporated into the curriculum of government schools. This initiative is part of the UAE’s broader vision to integrate advanced technologies into various sectors and reduce its reliance on oil revenues.
The Gulf nation has already made significant strides in the AI space. In 2017, it established the world’s first Ministry of Artificial Intelligence, underscoring its commitment to leading the AI revolution. Additionally, the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), based in Abu Dhabi, is one of the few institutions globally dedicated exclusively to AI education and research.
The UAE’s AI ambitions extend beyond education. In February 2025, it pledged between 30 and 50 billion euros to construct a massive AI data center in France—one of the largest international AI investments to date.
By embedding AI education at such an early stage, the UAE aims to nurture a generation of innovators and problem-solvers capable of leveraging technology to address future challenges. The curriculum will cover both technical skills and ethical considerations, ensuring that students not only understand how AI works but also the implications of its use in society.
This bold educational reform reflects the UAE’s proactive approach to shaping the future, ensuring its citizens are not just consumers of technology, but creators and leaders in the global AI landscape.
