The United Arab Emirates is taking significant steps towards becoming a global leader in artificial intelligence by introducing AI education into its schools. EDNAS, an education technology firm based in the UAE, has unveiled the nation’s first comprehensive AI literacy curriculum tailored for educational institutions. This initiative, which spans Key Stage 1–3 (Years 1–9), provides schools with thorough lesson plans, engaging activities, and essential resources aimed at simplifying the implementation of AI education from the outset.
Created in partnership with educators and AI specialists, and aligned with international benchmarks such as PISA 2029, this curriculum reflects the UAE’s commitment to promoting AI learning on a national scale. Pilot programs are already in progress at Haileybury Astana, part of the esteemed Haileybury network of schools, with broader plans for UAE-wide distribution and regional growth soon.
Liam Stewart, managing director of EDNAS, expressed: “The UAE has established an ambitious objective to lead globally in AI education, and schools must have practical strategies to bring this vision to fruition. Having worked in education, I recognize the difficulties in moving from ambition to reality without adequate resources. EDNAS addresses this by equipping educators with the necessary tools and confidence to prepare students who are not only capable of using AI but also equipped to comprehend and influence its development. We take pride in being a UAE-based solution designed specifically to support teachers and learners across the region.”
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The phased implementation of the curriculum will commence in 2025, featuring material ready for classroom use for Key Stage 1–3. Following this, in 2026, continual professional development (CPD) accredited training for educators will be introduced to build their expertise over time. By 2027, accreditation services will assist schools in demonstrating their preparedness to provide high-quality AI education. Additionally, resources in Arabic will be made available in the second year to facilitate bilingual instruction throughout the region.
EDNAS’s primary goal is to simplify the delivery of AI education, providing teachers with reliable resources while helping students develop essential skills in critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and practical applications vital for succeeding in an AI-centric world. The UAE’s initiatives are set to expand beyond its borders, fostering a generation equipped to understand, challenge, and lead in a landscape increasingly influenced by technology.