Governments and educational institutions around the world are increasingly integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into school curricula, recognising its vital role in shaping a future-ready generation.
With AI poised to transform every aspect of modern life, equipping students with foundational knowledge in this field has become a strategic imperative for nations aiming to achieve sustainable development and long-term prosperity.
As part of this growing movement, the United Arab Emirates has taken a pioneering step by announcing the inclusion of AI as a formal subject across all public schools—from kindergarten through grade 12—beginning in the 2025–2026 academic year. The initiative reflects the UAE’s broader commitment to fostering digital literacy and innovation across its education system.
Globally, other countries are also accelerating their efforts. China was among the first to adopt a structured approach to AI education. Since 2018, it has implemented AI-focused curricula in 40 model schools, developed 14 Ministry-approved textbooks, and trained over 5,000 specialist teachers. In March 2025, Beijing’s education authorities mandated that primary and secondary schools dedicate a minimum of eight hours annually to AI instruction, either through standalone classes or integrated into existing subjects such as science and information technology.
South Korea, another leader in AI education, began incorporating AI into high school curricula in 2022. This year, it is expanding the initiative to kindergartens and elementary and middle schools.
The Korean model covers key areas including programming, AI fundamentals, practical applications, and ethical considerations. Additionally, South Korea is working to upskill 5,000 teachers in AI through higher education programmes by 2025.
Finland offers a globally admired model, thanks to its inclusive and practical approach. In 2018, the University of Helsinki launched a free online AI course that attracted over 1% of the Finnish population and was translated into 22 languages. By 2021, Finland had formally introduced AI into basic education through a pilot programme focused on fundamental concepts and the societal impact of emerging technologies.
Singapore has also emerged as a global hub for AI education, combining advanced theoretical frameworks with practical applications in machine learning, robotics, and big data analysis. The country’s top-ranked universities have established strong partnerships with the tech sector, enabling them to deliver cutting-edge programmes that prepare students for the demands of a digital economy.
As more nations embrace AI in their education systems, a global standard is gradually emerging—one that blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on learning, ethical understanding, and interdisciplinary applications.
This worldwide trend reflects a shared recognition: preparing today’s youth to navigate and lead in an AI-driven future is no longer optional—it is essential.
