UAE embeds Artificial Intelligence into education from kindergarten to PhD

Abu Dhabi: Harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) in education has become a strategic priority for the UAE, with the nation rapidly integrating AI across all stages of learning — from early childhood to postgraduate studies.

According to the Office of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, higher education institutions in the UAE now offer more than 44 academic programmes related to AI.

A key player in this transformation is the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), which has earned a global reputation as a leading academic and research institution in the field since its establishment in October 2019.

MBZUAI among top global AI institutions

According to CSRankings, MBZUAI ranks among the top 10 universities globally in core AI disciplines, including computer vision, machine learning, natural language processing, robotics, and computational biology.

The university currently offers 13 master’s and PhD programmes across these areas. In 2025, it also launched a bachelor’s degree with two specialisations: Business and Engineering.

MBZUAI has a diverse student body from 39 countries, with Emiratis making up around 17% and women accounting for 31% of enrolments. Over 300 students have graduated with advanced degrees so far, with 80% joining the UAE’s growing AI ecosystem.

Centres of innovation and research

In 2023, MBZUAI launched the Mohamed bin Zayed Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre to support AI-focused startups. Its notable research bodies include:

• K2: A large-scale language model with 65 billion parameters

• Jais: The most downloaded Arabic large language model

MBZUAI also established the Center for Integrative AI and the Metaverse Center, contributing over 1,200 conference papers and 2,200 journal publications, bolstering its international academic standing.

Nationwide expansion of AI education

Several universities across the UAE are incorporating AI into their academic offerings:

• Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi: Bachelor’s in Mathematics with a Data Science for AI specialisation

• Abu Dhabi University: Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence

• Khalifa University: Bachelor’s in Robotics and AI

• American University of Sharjah: Established an AI Centre

• Ajman University: Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence

AI to be introduced into K–12 curriculum

Beginning in the 2025–2026 academic year, AI will be formally taught in public schools across the UAE — from kindergarten to Grade 12.

The initiative aims to equip students with essential tools and knowledge to thrive in a technology-driven world.

The national AI curriculum will cover seven key areas:

1. Foundational AI concepts

2. Data and algorithms

3. Software tools

4. Ethical awareness

5. Real-world applications

6. Innovation and project design

7. Policy and community engagement

UAE’s centennial vision

The UAE’s ambitious AI agenda aligns with the UAE Centennial 2071 Vision, aimed at sustainable development, digital transformation, and economic diversification.

Core goals of the national AI strategy

• Achieving centennial 2071 objectives: Positioning the UAE as a global leader in AI innovation and governance

• Transforming key sectors: Enhancing healthcare, education, transportation, and public services through AI integration

• Building a digitally empowered society: Developing national talent and fostering a vibrant innovation ecosystem

• Boosting the digital economy: Stimulating productivity, creating tech-driven jobs, and driving economic growth

With education at the forefront, the UAE continues to solidify its leadership in AI, preparing a generation capable of shaping the future through advanced digital knowledge and innovation.