A Bold Leap into the Future: UAE Makes AI a Core School Subject — And We’re Here for It!

On Sunday, 4th May 2025, a remarkable announcement came out of Dubai, and it’s one that we at Pure Minds Academy are still smiling about.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, confirmed that artificial intelligence will become a mandatory subject in UAE schools, beginning as early as kindergarten. This is not just another curriculum update, this is a seismic shift in how we prepare children for the future.

We couldn’t be more excited. At Pure Minds, we’ve long championed the idea that AI literacy should begin early, and our School of AI was founded on this very belief. With this initiative now backed at the highest levels of government, we’re proud to be supporting this national vision with purpose and passion.

A New Chapter for UAE Education

This move is part of a wider strategy by the UAE to become a global leader in artificial intelligence and digital innovation. The aim is clear: raise a generation that doesn't just use AI but understands it, creates with it and contributes meaningfully to a world shaped by it.

The government has committed to embedding AI into every level of public education from kindergarten through to high school. Seven core AI concepts have been defined and teacher training is already being rolled out to ensure educators feel confident and empowered to teach these new topics.

As Sheikh Mohammed said in his announcement, “We aim to prepare our students for the future, where artificial intelligence will be a key part of all sectors.”

We agree wholeheartedly. And we’re ready to play our part.

Pure Minds: Proud to Support the Next Generation of AI-Ready Students

At Pure Minds Academy, the future of learning has always been our focus. With our STEM-based programs, innovation camps and our dedicated School of AI, we’ve spent the past few years building the very foundations that this national initiative now rests upon.  We believe AI education isn't just a “nice to have”, it’s essential. Children today are growing up in a world where algorithms recommend their videos, manage their smart devices and increasingly shape the information they consume. Understanding how AI works is as important as reading and maths.

That’s why our School of AI has been designed to make these complex topics not only accessible but exciting. We teach children how AI thinks, how it learns and how it can be used responsibly through interactive workshops, hands-on projects and real-world challenges.  And it doesn’t stop with the students.  We’re also committed to supporting educators. In fact, we see them as key partners in this journey. AI can and should be a tool that enhances teaching, not replaces it. From adaptive learning systems to data-driven insights that personalise instruction, we help teachers harness AI to improve outcomes in their own classrooms.

As we explored in a previous article, our position is clear: AI should support educators, not sideline them. With the right tools and mindset, teachers can become even more impactful and we’re here to help make that happen.

What Makes This So Important?

There are so many reasons to celebrate this step forward, but here are a few that stand out to us:

1. AI builds real-world skills early.
By introducing children to AI from a young age, we’re not just teaching them to code or to “use technology.” We’re teaching them to think critically, solve problems creatively and understand the ethical dimensions of decision-making. These are life skills that will serve them in any field not just tech.

2. It prepares students for the jobs of tomorrow.
The World Economic Forum predicts that by 2025, 97 million new roles will emerge that are more adapted to the division of labour between humans, machines and algorithms. The UAE’s move ensures its students are not just ready for these roles, they’ll be leading them.

3. It bridges the digital divide.
The government’s plan includes providing infrastructure and support so that all students, regardless of their background, can benefit from this initiative. This focus on inclusivity is something we at Pure Minds deeply value and match in our own programs.

4. It empowers teachers.
This isn’t just about giving kids new subjects, it’s also about giving teachers the tools, training and confidence to use AI meaningfully. With regular upskilling and support, educators can grow alongside their students and even ahead of them.

What Happens Next?

With implementation now underway, the next few months will be critical. Pilot programs will expand, teacher training will accelerate and the first cohorts of young learners will begin their journey into the world of AI.

At Pure Minds, we’re continuing to adapt and evolve our School of AI to align with national goals while keeping our programs dynamic and child-friendly. From introducing AI storytelling in our early years modules to launching AI ethics simulations for older students, our curriculum is designed to grow alongside the learner.  We also plan to roll out partnership initiatives with schools across the UAE, providing AI workshops, summer intensives as a part of our long-running and established Summer Camps and teacher-led development sessions to bring this learning to life in practical, engaging ways.

A Shared Vision for the Future

Education is no longer just about passing exams, it's about preparing young minds for a world that doesn’t yet exist. And AI is at the very heart of that world.  With this bold initiative, the UAE has shown it understands this reality and is willing to act on it. We are incredibly proud to be part of this moment and to support students, parents and educators as they navigate this exciting new chapter.

So here’s to the future. To curiosity. To responsible innovation. And to the students who will not just adapt to tomorrow's world but shape it.  We’re honoured to help guide them every step of the way.

To learn more about how Pure Minds Academy and our School of AI can support your child or school, get in touch with us here.