The academic year 2025-2026 will mark the debut of an artificial intelligence curriculum in schools. Students in the first and second cycles will have AI classes every two weeks, while those in the third cycle will attend weekly sessions, all taught by over 1,000 specialized educators.
“A dedicated computing class will introduce the Artificial Intelligence course as a standalone subject. We’ve allocated a specific session within the computing curriculum for AI instruction,” stated Amna Al Saleh, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Curriculum and Assessment Sector at the Ministry of Education, to Khaleej Times.
“The subject will be delivered by 1,000 skilled teachers with the necessary expertise to teach AI.”
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Specialized Teacher Training
Teachers will receive intensive training during the upcoming professional development week to ensure they are equipped to teach the program this academic year. Ongoing training sessions and follow-up meetings will be conducted, supported by a committee to oversee effective implementation.
The AI curriculum will focus on teaching students to use artificial intelligence responsibly and ethically while developing future-ready skills.
Core Curriculum Areas
Khaleej Times previously reported that Minister of Education Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri highlighted the AI curriculum’s focus areas, including fundamental concepts like data and algorithms, software applications, ethical practices, real-world uses, AI-driven innovation, project design, and community engagement with AI policies.
She mentioned that teachers will be supplied with comprehensive resources, including activities, templates, and flexible lesson plans.
Preparation for the New Academic Year
During a media briefing on Tuesday by the Ministry of Education and the UAE Government Media Office, key preparations for the 2025–2026 academic year were outlined.
Al Amiri confirmed that schools nationwide are ready to welcome around one million students, following extensive preparations since January. These included thorough maintenance of schools and facilities, readiness of school buses, distribution of textbooks, provision of uniforms, and training for teaching staff.
The ministry also announced significant reforms in assessment policies. Centralised exams for the second semester have been replaced by school-based assessments for all grades. Centralised exams will now occur only in the first and third terms.
The second phase of project-based learning and assessment will also be extended to all second-cycle students in public and private schools following the ministry’s curriculum.
The ministry has developed the National Assessment System by introducing a new standardised proficiency test to evaluate Arabic, English, and mathematics skills for students from Grades 4 to 11 in public schools.
