AI 101: UAE Schools Begin Teaching Machine Learning in Kindergarten

Coding Before Cursive

In a bold move redefining early education, the United Arab Emirates has announced a nationwide initiative to teach artificial intelligence (AI) starting from kindergarten. This groundbreaking shift, revealed by the UAE’s Minister of Education, aims to embed computational thinking and digital fluency into the country’s school curriculum from the earliest grades. The strategy aligns with the UAE’s broader vision of cultivating a future-ready generation equipped with the skills necessary for the rapidly evolving digital economy. By introducing AI fundamentals alongside core academic subjects, UAE schools are signaling a future where AI literacy is as essential as reading and math.

AI as a Second Language

The revamped curriculum won’t just include how AI works—it will be integrated into classroom activities, encouraging students to understand concepts like machine learning, data handling, and ethical tech use. Teachers are undergoing extensive training to ensure they can confidently deliver this futuristic content in age-appropriate formats. The Ministry’s approach is scaffolded, meaning the complexity of AI concepts will increase as students progress through grade levels. The initiative underscores the country’s ambition to be a global leader in technological innovation, starting with its youngest citizens.