Dubai schools are set to gain AI-qualified teachers as the Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, announced a comprehensive programme to equip every educator in the emirate with artificial intelligence skills.
Sheikh Hamdan Launches AI Teacher Training Programme
The initiative, announced on Wednesday, is a joint effort between the education ministry and Dubai's Smart Education division to develop teachers' proficiency in AI applications. It operates under the Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence — known as DUB.AI — the emirate's overarching strategy for embedding AI across key sectors.
"Our aim is to create an educational system that equips our students with future-ready tools and provides an optimal learning environment supported by AI technologies," Sheikh Hamdan said. "Dubai understands that investing in education is investing in the present and future of society."
How the Programme Works
The programme will be implemented under the supervision of the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence, in partnership with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). It provides comprehensive training covering:
- How to leverage AI applications to enhance classroom teaching - Automating routine tasks using AI tools - Personalising the learning experience for individual students through AI systems
Training combines in-person practical sessions with online modules and regular assessments, ensuring educators meet a consistent standard across all Dubai schools.
Dh1 Million in Awards for Top AI-Integrating Teachers
To recognise leading educators and drive further adoption of AI in the classroom, awards totalling Dh1 million will be presented to the top ten teachers at the next AI Retreat, scheduled for April 2025. The incentive is designed not only to raise educational standards but to motivate teachers to explore innovative approaches to AI-assisted instruction.
Aligning Dubai Education with the AI Era
The initiative is part of Dubai's broader push to future-proof its workforce. It follows the establishment of the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence at Emirates Towers in 2023 and aligns with the appointment of 22 chief AI officers across key government departments in 2024. By ensuring teachers are AI-literate, Dubai aims to nurture a generation of students prepared for an economy increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.
