UAE makes AI Studies Mandatory as Schools Embrace Smart Future

Dubai: The United Arab Emirates has taken a bold step by making Artificial Intelligence (AI) a compulsory subject in public schools from this academic year. This move places the UAE among the first countries in the world to bring AI into classrooms as an essential subject rather than an optional skill.

Private schools across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ajman have also gone far ahead in their AI journey. They are not only teaching AI but also reshaping the way classrooms work. Schools are building AI labs, introducing AI-powered tools, and preparing students to become innovators who can contribute to the nation’s long-term vision of technology and sustainability.

Early adoption in schools

One of the earliest private schools to start teaching AI was Habitat School–Al Tallah in Ajman, which added AI to its lessons back in 2019. The school built a dedicated AI Lab and even introduced AI as a skill subject for Grade 9 and 10 students. According to its principal, young children are introduced to AI as early as Grade 1. Weekly classes, term-wise progress checks, and personalized lessons make sure that students grow not just as users of technology but as independent thinkers. The school also hosts an annual Digital Festival where students present their own AI projects.

Practical learning with qualifications

In Dubai, Bloom World Academy has gone further by offering a BTEC qualification in AI for students above 14 years old. This is a globally recognized program that makes AI learning more structured. The school uses a unique approach called “Authentic Intelligence”, which combines technical learning with ethical training. Students there work on creative projects such as mock trials, simulations, and conversations with AI-powered historical figures. Teachers are also trained to use AI for lesson planning, real-time simulations, and assessments.

Multilingual and cultural boost

At the Swiss International Scientific School in Dubai, AI tools are used daily in classrooms. Students interact with AI-powered chatbots designed for specific subjects. For multilingual students, AI translation tools help them study in French, German, and Russian. Beyond academics, students also create AI-powered movie trailers and design AI chatbots for their research projects. According to teachers, the main challenge is for international exam boards to update their systems to match AI-based learning, but this change is expected soon.

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Large-scale investments in AI education

The UAE’s largest private school group, GEMS Education, is investing heavily in AI. With a new $100 million AI-focused school, cutting-edge labs, and global partnerships, the group is transforming education in the country. Its Dubai American Academy already acts as a Centre of Excellence for AI and Robotics, while its new School of Research and Innovation is being built as a flagship for advanced AI learning.

Children as young as three years old are introduced to AI through play-based games, while older students work on robotics, machine learning, and advanced data projects. GEMS also organizes the Global Innovation Challenge, where students create AI solutions linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Past projects include AI-powered flood warning systems, smart farming tools, and wearable health monitors.

Teachers in training

Teachers are also part of this digital journey. GEMS is running training programs to ensure educators know how to use AI tools responsibly. With partnerships with global tech companies, schools are creating AI assistants for lesson planning and leadership roles. Educators believe that while nobody can predict the exact jobs of the next 20 years, teaching AI skills today ensures that students will be ready for the future job market.

AI and national vision

In Abu Dhabi, Yas American Academy has also started a new AI course this year. The school says this is in line with the UAE’s national goals of promoting innovation, sustainability, and technology. The new course is meant to give students both technical knowledge and creative problem-solving skills.

Education experts believe that AI in classrooms is about much more than just technology. According to leading voices in education, introducing AI from the early years is a strategic step toward building a future-ready society. It helps children grow into critical thinkers who can work ethically, solve problems, and contribute to their community.

 Preparing for tomorrow’s jobs

AI in UAE schools is not just about using smart tools — it is about teaching students how to think, adapt, and innovate. Students learn to give prompts, analyze AI responses, and apply them to real-world challenges. By doing so, they are building lifelong skills in problem-solving, digital literacy, and innovation.

Educators agree that the UAE is preparing a new generation of leaders who will not only consume technology but also create it responsibly. The country is ensuring that its students are ready to step confidently into a future shaped by artificial intelligence.