The United Arab Emirates is preparing to incorporate AI education into its school curricula, ensuring that students from kindergarten to high school are equipped with knowledge about artificial intelligence. This includes understanding the technology, its everyday applications, and effective implementation of various models.
Notably, courses will also focus on AI ethics, which could position the UAE’s youth as global leaders in discussions surrounding these pivotal issues, as highlighted by Sam Altman of OpenAI. He referred to the UAE as the world’s “sandbox” for exploring AI governance and regulatory models.
The revamped curriculum will cover essential topics such as data, algorithms, software applications, ethics, real-world applications, policies, and social engagement—all tailored to be age-appropriate. These modules will be integrated into the standard educational framework rather than offered as extracurricular activities.
This educational initiative is part of the UAE’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031, aiming to establish the nation as a global leader in AI capabilities, including education, while diversifying its economy away from its traditional reliance on oil. In conjunction with school curriculum changes, the strategy includes funding for AI research, with institutions like the American University of Sharjah and United Arab Emirates University at the forefront of this technological adoption.
Additionally, the UAE plans to launch a significant AI investment fund projected to reach $100 billion soon, with an estimated $1.4 trillion earmarked for infrastructure spending over the next decade. This investment will encompass energy generation, semiconductor manufacturing, and AI infrastructure, reinforcing the nation’s supply chain connections in the technology sector.
Furthermore, the UAE has strategically sought investment from various global players, including Chinese manufacturers like Huawei, positioning itself as a neutral ground amid ongoing trade tensions between the West and East. This approach is significant considering the region’s wealth and the potential ramifications of trade restrictions on both sides.