AI added to classrooms as UAE education reforms accelerate in 2025

The UAE education sector underwent broad reforms in 2025, with policymakers rolling out curriculum updates, new scholarship frameworks and initiatives aimed at aligning learning outcomes with future economic and technological priorities.

One of the most significant changes was the introduction of artificial intelligence as a compulsory subject from kindergarten through Grade 12, placing the UAE among the first countries globally to embed AI across all school levels. The move reflects a wider emphasis on future skills as part of national development plans.

The year also saw the launch of the Zayed Education Foundation, an initiative designed to support 100,000 young talents by 2035 and prepare students to contribute to global economic, social and environmental progress.

The Ministry of Education announced updated educational streams for Cycle 3 students in public and private schools following the national curriculum. An advanced stream was introduced to prepare students for fields such as engineering, medicine, pharmacy and sciences, while a general stream allows specialisation in humanities, law, business, arts and social sciences.

UAE accelerates education reforms in 2025

In early education, the ministry approved a mandatory framework for teaching Arabic language, Islamic education and social concepts in kindergartens at private schools across all curricula. Instructional time for Arabic was also increased, alongside daily language-focused hours for Cycle One students.

Higher education reforms featured prominently. The Education, Human Development and Community Development Council adopted new criteria governing overseas study and scholarship programmes, with the aim of better aligning student pathways with labour market needs and national priority sectors. The Council also approved changes to the age cut-off for kindergarten and Grade 1 admissions, shifting the date to 31 December starting from the 2026–2027 academic year.

Assessment systems were restructured for the 2025–2026 academic year, with centralised tests removed at the end of the second semester and replaced by school-based summative assessments. Centralised exams will now be limited to the first and third semesters.

At the emirate level, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge launched a Pre-Departure Week programme to prepare 300 scholarship students for study abroad.

Professional development also gained momentum with the launch of the “Executive Educational Excellence Pioneers” programme under the Mohamed bin Zayed Award for Best Teacher, aimed at equipping award-winning educators to lead sector-wide transformation.

Meanwhile, higher education capacity expanded with the opening of a new campus of the Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities in Al Dhafra, offering programmes in Islamic and social studies and humanitarian work.

Together, the measures reflect a coordinated push to modernise education policy, strengthen talent development and prepare students for a technology-driven future.