UAE embeds Artificial Intelligence into education from kindergarten to PhD

Over 44 advanced AI programmes offered across higher education institutions

Last updated: August 02, 2025 | 13:33

3 MIN READ

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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:

Foundational AI concepts
Data and algorithms
Software tools
Ethical awareness
Real-world applications
Innovation and project design
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.

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Abdulla RasheedEditor - Abu Dhabi

Abdullah Rashid Al Hammadi  is an accomplished Emirati journalist with over 45 years of experience in both Arabic and English media. He currently serves as the Abu Dhabi Bureau Chief fo Gulf News. Al Hammadi began his career in 1980 with Al Ittihad newspaper, where he rose through the ranks to hold key editorial positions, including Head of International News, Director of the Research Center, and Acting Managing Editor. A founding member of the UAE Journalists Association and a former board member, he is also affiliated with the General Federation of Arab Journalists and the International Federation of Journalists. Al Hammadi studied Information Systems Technology at the University of Virginia and completed journalism training with Reuters in Cairo and London. During his time in Washington, D.C., he reported for Alittihad  and became a member of the National Press Club. From 2000 to 2008, he wrote the widely read Dababees column, known for its critical take on social issues. Throughout his career, Al Hammadi has conducted high-profile interviews with prominent leaders including UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and key Arab figures such as the late Yasser Arafat and former presidents of Yemen and Egypt. He has reported on major historical events such as the Iran-Iraq war, the liberation of Kuwait, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the establishment of the Palestinian Authority. His work continues to shape and influence journalism in the UAE and the wider Arab world.