On Wednesday, the approval of an artificial intelligence program was announced in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that will be implemented in all public and private schools.
This curriculum is designed to teach students the basics of AI, including data, algorithms, practical applications, and potential risks, as well as to raise awareness about the ethical use of this technology.
Approximately 22,000 teachers and educators will undergo training to learn how to use AI to support teaching, assess knowledge, analyze curricula, and plan lessons.
These decisions were made following a meeting of the UAE Cabinet, chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai.
The Cabinet reported that the pilot program and evaluation of the AI curriculum have already shown 'positive results' in public schools.
The goal of the program is to equip future generations with the necessary skills and knowledge in AI for the future, while simultaneously helping students understand both the opportunities and dangers associated with this technology.
Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that the UAE is one of the 'pioneering countries' that has developed comprehensive curricula to train students in AI at all levels of education.
Furthermore, the Cabinet approved a mechanism that will make the UAE's AI curriculum and its components accessible to Ministries of Education and the international educational community.
A plan for developing the competencies of teachers and educators using artificial intelligence tools was also reviewed.
Sheikh Mohammed noted: 'The aim is to train 22,000 teachers and educators to use AI as support in teaching, assessment, curriculum analysis, lesson planning, and fostering a spirit of innovation among students.'
He added that technological changes are transforming methods of education delivery and require teachers to constantly improve their skills. Sheikh Mohammed warned that 'the massive technological transformations of our era will change the reality, processes, and tools of education... To fulfill their new role, teachers must become lifelong learners... because if we educate our children today using the same methods as yesterday, we are depriving them of their future.'