From 2025–26, Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be compulsory in all public schools in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Private schools across the GCC are moving quickly to keep pace with this shift

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the landscape of K-12 education, ushering in a new era of personalised learning, enhanced teaching methods and innovative classroom experiences.

Governments across the world are introducing new policy initiatives to guide and regulate the implementation of this rapidly evolving new technology. GCC is no different and has, in fact, gone a step ahead in adopting AI into the classrooms.

Both the UAE and Saudi Arabia have mandated AI across all public schools from kindergarten to Grade 12, starting academic year 2025–26, reshaping how students learn, teachers instruct and educational systems operate.

The UAE has partnered with institutions such as the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence and the Emirates College for Advanced Education, and along with organisations such as Code.org has facilitated teacher training and curriculum development.

Schools and institutions across the region are now preparing for this shift, training educators, updating curricula and addressing ethical considerations.

Fadi Abdulkhalek, Vice President and General Manager for the Middle East and Africa at PowerSchool says the UAE and Saudi Arabia’s decision to introduce AI curricula in public schools is a significant step towards preparing a future-ready generation. “While this rollout is currently focused on public institutions, we’re already seeing strong signals that private schools will follow suit. Many leading private schools have begun integrating AI-powered tools and platforms to enhance personalised learning and operational efficiency,” he says.