Schools in Dubai are about to receive updated guidelines concerning the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into their classrooms, with these changes set to take effect next year. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) is leading this initiative, aiming to strike a balance between enhancing students’ digital competencies and curtailing the risks associated with excessive technology use.
Balancing Technology and Education
Aisha Miran, the director general of KHDA, emphasized the organization’s commitment to clearly defining appropriate technology use in educational settings. She noted that it is essential to establish when AI can effectively bolster student learning and when caution is needed to prevent overreliance on technology. While the details of these guidelines remain undisclosed, there are indications that they will address the proper application of AI, necessary safeguards, and the involvement of parents in monitoring its usage. The KHDA is focused on creating an equitable framework that will guide schools in leveraging AI while ensuring responsible use.
In addition to setting guidelines, the KHDA is examining the optimal timing for integrating technology into children’s education. Miran mentioned that the authority has yet to finalize any restrictions based on students’ age groups but is working towards a balanced strategy that considers the developmental stage of each child. “We cannot abandon digital technology; we want to embrace it,” she affirmed, indicating a shift towards a holistic approach that incorporates the advantages of digital tools without compromising student wellbeing.
AI in the UAE Education Landscape
Recently, The National reported that schools in the UAE have begun incorporating AI into their curriculums while striving to keep students’ screen time under control. The UAE Cabinet has approved initiatives designed to enhance AI’s role within both governmental and educational sectors, with plans to train approximately 22,000 educators on AI’s application in teaching and lesson planning. Miran hinted that while the KHDA will not dictate which AI platforms schools should adopt, a set of standards outlining protective measures must be adhered to.
The overarching goal is to ensure that schools can innovate without hampering the learning experience. Dubai’s Education 33 strategy, introduced in October 2024, prioritizes skills development, critical thinking, and personalized learning. Miran reiterated the importance of safeguarding children as a cornerstone of the impending policy, aiming to foster responsible technology users rather than merely limiting access to digital platforms.
Responding to Population Growth
The student population in private schools across Dubai has surged to approximately 406,500, showing a 4.6 percent increase since June. This growth highlights the urgent need for an educational master plan to align school availability with demographic expansion. According to Miran, the plan will assess where schools are necessary, the curriculums families seek, and the fees that are feasible for local families.
This initiative aims to ease the burden of long commutes for students, facilitating access to quality education. For instance, in areas where families prefer a specific curriculum, such as the UK educational system within certain fee brackets, the goal will be to provide options closer to their communities rather than requiring long journeys to distant schools.
Schools Within Reach
This approach supports Dubai’s broader vision of becoming a “20-minute city,” under the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, where residents can meet most daily needs within a short commute. Miran highlighted that schools should be integrated into this urban strategy, expressing a desire for students to actively walk or cycle to school. For families using cars or buses, maintaining reasonable travel times is also a priority. This comprehensive parental and educational strategy aims to foster a healthier and more connected community in Dubai.