Artificial intelligence is being adopted by schools across the UAE to cut teacher workloads and improve learning environments — and the initiative now has direct backing from the highest levels of Dubai's government.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, has announced plans to upskill all teachers in the emirate in artificial intelligence, with the goal of creating "an educational system that equips our students with future-ready tools." The programme will be overseen by the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence in collaboration with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).
How UAE Schools Are Using AI in the Classroom
Educators across the country are already using AI solutions for lesson planning, administrative work, and personalised feedback to students. The shift matters: UAE private school teachers can work up to 70 hours a week, particularly in the run-up to annual inspections.
Baz Nijjar, Principal Adviser of Education Technology at Gems Education, explains that AI supports teachers primarily by enhancing planning and differentiating learning activities. Gems Education's Teachers Lead Teachers programme sees educators train their peers, putting practical AI tools in front of classrooms and reducing the amount of time teachers spend on paperwork.
Lesson Planning, Feedback, and Time Saved
Joseph Nettikaden, Chief Information Officer at Esol Education, highlights one of the most immediate gains: AI-suggested lesson plan templates. Rather than building plans from scratch, teachers can use templates or accept AI-generated suggestions, freeing up time for the interpersonal aspects of teaching — communication and collaboration with students.
John Bell, Head Teacher at Bloom World Academy, says his school is systematically training all teachers in AI use, with a dedicated group of AI leaders discussing both the ethics and practical applications of the technology, especially for planning and delivering lessons. Bell stresses that while AI brings efficiency, it must come alongside a commitment to intellectual honesty — teachers need to help students understand why academic integrity still matters.
Taaleem's AI Task Force and Plagiarism Prevention
Taaleem has assembled an AI task force under Glen Radojkovich, Director of Education, that goes beyond planning support. The task force also deploys AI tools to detect and prevent plagiarism, ensuring that artificial intelligence is used to strengthen the learning process rather than undermine it.
Radojkovich's approach reflects a broader principle taking hold across UAE schools: AI should be implemented strategically, with clear ethics guidelines, so that its benefits in efficiency and personalisation are realised without compromising academic standards.
The Bigger Picture for UAE Education
The Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence will coordinate teacher upskilling across the emirate, and the top ten teachers who most effectively integrate AI into their teaching will be recognised with awards totalling Dh1 million at the next AI Retreat. The initiative positions Dubai — and the UAE more broadly — as a global leader in education technology adoption.
