The collaboration between DP World Foundation, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) marks a significant leap toward enhancing AI literacy in Dubai’s private schools. This multi-year initiative aims to equip students and teachers with essential skills and knowledge related to artificial intelligence, ensuring the future workforce is prepared to engage with this rapidly evolving technology.

Overview of the AI Literacy Program

This comprehensive program, running until February 2030, is designed for students in Grades 6 to 8 and aims to reach approximately 80,500 students aided by around 3,600 teachers. The initiative will build a strong foundation in AI understanding while also providing teachers with necessary tools, professional development opportunities, and assessments to facilitate AI learning within core subjects. The phased approach will incorporate teacher feedback to ensure that the program effectively meets the needs of educators and students alike.

In its initial phase, the collaboration will involve co-designing curriculum elements with select school educators. This collaborative effort will lead to pilot programs in the classroom and enhance teacher preparation, setting the stage for a wider deployment across Dubai’s educational landscape. By emphasizing practical applications of AI, the program seeks to create an environment where students can cultivate critical thinking around AI technologies, understanding both their potential and limitations.

Importance of AI in Education

His Excellency Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, highlighted the importance of AI in the future of various industries and job markets. He emphasized that Dubai’s competitiveness largely hinges on the ability to foster talent from the classroom. By investing in this program, the initiative aims to equip young learners with the necessary skills to engage responsibly with AI technology, providing teachers with the resources to integrate this learning into their curriculums.

Adding to this sentiment, Her Excellency Aisha Miran, Director General of KHDA, pointed to the program’s alignment with Dubai’s Education 33 vision and the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). This collaboration brings future-ready skills and talent development to the forefront, offering students not merely the ability to use technology but also the critical thinking skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex economy.

Curriculum and Resources

The program introduces concise, practical modules across six key subjects: Math, Science, Computing, Art, English, and Arabic. Students will gain insight into how AI functions, the evaluation of AI-generated outputs, and guidelines for responsible use within everyday classroom activities. This comprehensive approach will strengthen their understanding while enhancing instructional methods.

To support teachers, the initiative will provide ready-to-use classroom resources, professional development, and guidance on implementation. Additionally, a carefully curated selection of AI tools will be made available for supervised use, emphasizing age-appropriate access and responsible practice while ensuring a safe learning environment.

Program Components for Diverse Learning

The AI literacy initiative consists of two essential components:

1. AI Literacy for Dubai Private Schools (Grades 6–8) – This cross-disciplinary program includes curriculum development, teacher training, and assessments designed to be engaging and educational.

2. AI Enrichment for High School Students – Modeled after MIT’s Future Makers/Builders, this hybrid program takes place during school breaks and combines online learning with in-person sessions. This component features mentorship opportunities, team capstone projects, and entrepreneurial presentations, catering to a diverse group of 40 to 100 students per session.

By integrating AI education within everyday subjects and providing support for teachers, this program aims to create a culture of responsible AI usage in Dubai’s educational system, ultimately setting the stage for future innovators and leaders.