UAE Education Experts Call for Responsible AI in Schools

On Emirati Education Day (28 February 2026), education specialists from the UAE National Experts Programme (NEP) highlighted that real transformation in the education sector depends not only on technology, but on how it is guided and structured inside classrooms.

The experts said artificial intelligence (AI) marks a turning point for schools and universities. However, they emphasized that innovation must be supported by intellectual discipline, ethical understanding, and strong academic standards.

Recently, the UAE approved a list of generative AI platforms for use in schools. This framework sets clear rules to ensure the safe and responsible use of AI tools in classrooms across the country.

AI Should Be Studied, Not Just Used

Khulood Alawadi from NEP’s Cohort 4.0 (education sector) said AI should be treated as a field of study, not simply a classroom tool.

She explained that AI changes how knowledge is created and processed. Students must understand how these systems work, where they have limits, and what ethical responsibilities come with their use.

Alawadi added that schools and universities should dedicate time to teaching students how to properly use AI tools in different subjects. She stressed that teachers must remain the main source of guidance, encouragement, and academic direction.

“Trust between teacher and student must be preserved,” she said, noting that while AI tools are not wrong to use, they should not replace personal mentorship and human interaction.

Technology Should Strengthen Thinking

Generative AI platforms are now part of students’ daily academic life. They can draft essays, summarize research, and generate designs within seconds. While this improves efficiency, experts warned that convenience should not replace independent thinking.

Khaled Al Remeithi from NEP’s Cohort 1.0 said the core mission of education remains the same.

“Technology should expand cognitive capacity, not replace it,” he said. He emphasized that teachers continue to play a key role in developing critical thinking and analytical skills among students.

Rethinking Assessment in the AI Era

Experts said the rise of AI requires changes in how students are evaluated. If AI can produce content instantly, schools must focus more on understanding, originality, and critical analysis rather than speed of production.

Hareth Alhashmi from NEP’s Cohort 3.0 said future classrooms will measure depth of understanding instead of how quickly work is completed.

“The defining skill will be the ability to question information,” he said, “not just access it.”

Human Mentorship Still Essential

Kaltham Ali from NEP’s Cohort 2.0 highlighted that AI offers major opportunities, including personalized learning paths and improved research efficiency. However, she said mentorship, values, and judgment will always remain human responsibilities.

According to the experts, long-term success in education will depend on balance — embracing innovation while protecting strong academic standards.

NEP-AI Receives Strong Response

The National Experts Programme’s Artificial Intelligence track (NEP-AI), launched on 29 January 2026, has already received more than 800 applications.

Applications for NEP-AI will close on 23 March 

March 2026. The first cohort will begin in May 2026, selecting 25 Emirati AI professionals.

Responsible AI is a central focus of NEP-AI. The program covers governance, risk management, ethical considerations, and UAE regulatory and data governance requirements.

As AI continues to reshape education worldwide, Emirati experts believe thoughtful integration — not unchecked adoption — will define the future of learning in the UAE.