It is no secret that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) wants to become one of the world's artificial intelligence (AI) hubs, with billions being spent to ensure this dream is achieved. Therefore, to ensure that the UAE can also produce local experts, the AI subject will be introduced to kindergarten to grade 12 students (equivalent to Form 5) starting next year.
In a statement published in X, UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said steps are being taken to prepare the next generation for a world that is different from the current situation. Among the goals of introducing the AI subject from the beginning of school is to teach children a deep understanding of AI from a technical perspective, while fostering their awareness of the ethics of this new technology, increasing their understanding of data, algorithms, applications, risks and its relationship to society and life.
The UAE is now on the same track as Malaysia and China, which have also introduced the AI subject in schools. China will start this year by mandating 8 hours of AI subjects in the 2025 academic year. Malaysia will introduce it starting in 2027 in the Digital Fluency model which is one of the seven skills that school students must master.
Last week, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang called on the US government to invest in developing the AI workforce because around 50% of AI researchers currently come from China.