Dubai: The United Arab Emirates will introduce artificial intelligence lessons for schoolchildren of all ages, officials announced as part of its ongoing efforts to remain at the forefront of technological advancements. AI instruction in government schools, including at the kindergarten level, is set to commence from the next academic year, a move outlined by Dubai ruler and UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
According to Lao News Agency, Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the importance of educating children on AI from a technical standpoint while also cultivating an understanding of the ethics surrounding this technology. He expressed the necessity of preparing future generations for a world that will be substantially different from the current one.
The UAE is focusing on AI as part of its strategy to diversify its economy beyond oil. In line with this goal, the country established the world’s first AI ministry in 2017 and has a university dedicated to AI in Abu Dhabi. In a demonstration of its commitment to AI development, the UAE pledged 30-50 billion euros in February to construct a large AI data center in France.