Integrating Artificial Intelligence into the school curriculum is a vital step towards preparing the next generation for a technology-driven future. In the UAE, with its ambitious vision for technological progress, AI is taking centre stage in transforming the education sector. The Ministry of Education (MoE) has announced that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will become a mandatory subject in UAE public schools from kindergarten to Grade 12, starting in the new academic year of 2025-2026. Indeed, technology and tools are essential tools for preparing children for a rapidly evolving digital world.
Digital technology, when used appropriately, early in a child’s life introduces new ways for children to explore ideas, solve problems, and express themselves. While digital devices offer opportunities for cognitive engagement through interactive educational platforms, concerns are also emerging over their potential to impair cognitive functions, such as attention, memory, and socio-emotional development, especially when usage is excessive and/or unregulated. The goal is to empower the next generation of technologists to become creators, rather than just consumers of technology.
A Successful Initiative
Under the noble patronage of H.E. Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Cabinet Member and UAE Minister of Tolerance & Coexistence, the Emirates Safer Internet Society (eSafe) concluded its first edition of STOGOCOMP 2025. Having been involved in this initiative as a Senior Advisor to eSafe and as the visionary and guiding force behind STOGOCOMP initiative, it was fascinating to see some of the truly brilliant ideas presented by the children. This competition, funded by The Walt Disney Company, was organized by eSafe in partnership with Robotics and Automation Society (RAS); Tachyon 360 and University of Dubai.
The competition, with the theme “The Use of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for the Wellbeing of Children,” highlighted the innovation of school students aged between 9 and 19 years old. With 91 schools and 628 students from all over the 7 Emirates participating, the event featured projects on emotional well-being, physical safety, diversity, and emergency response solutions through AI, robotics, and IoT technologies.
Inclusive AI Education
The introduction of AI into education, marks a departure from conventional teaching methods, offering personalized learning and support for diverse educational requirements, including students with special needs. However, this integration presents challenges, including the need for comprehensive educator training and curriculum adaptation to align with societal and cultural structures. Personally, I believe that AI can only make a real difference in schools if both students and teachers become apt in the use of AI with promotion of AI literacy, prompt engineering proficiency and enhanced critical thinking skills. An AI-culture in educational institutions, should permeate in creating an environment where AI is not feared but readily used, understood and most importantly – critically evaluated.
To ensure a diverse learning environment, teachers must have the competencies necessary to instruct AI. AI education must be extended beyond the technical realm to include ethics as part of the syllabus. Students need to be educated about responsible AI creation. This includes technology’s ability to both benefit and harm society, such as privacy issues, biases, and ethical choice-making.
AI with Caution
As AI bullying and grooming become more prevalent, it is imperative to ensure the safety of children. Increasing integration of artificial intelligence systems into daily life raises the possibility of nefarious applications, such as AI-facilitated manipulation or exploitation. Children are particularly susceptible to such threats, as they might not grasp the consequences of AI interaction. A high reliance on AI agents can also adversely affect a child’s social and emotional development. A balance should be maintained to allow children to reap the educational benefits of AI while also protecting them from the possible harm that it might cause. Adequate guidance and regulation should exist to provide a safe online environment.
A Broader Goal
AI must enable, not substitute for, human capabilities. As the UAE increasingly adopts AI in education, it’s critical to guarantee that technology supports learning, not to control it. It is important that we do not become overpowered by technology and tools. These innovations are human creations designed to serve humanity. Through a union of innovation, ethics, and accessibility, every nation can form a generation of learners who are not only adept at learning AI, but also capable of creating it to address broader societal needs and causes.
Human-centric Focus
The future lies in building a balanced strategy, wherein AI is responsibly utilized as a tool for society-maintaining a human-centric focus. With initiatives such as STOGOCOMP, which enhances children’s well-being through AI and robotics, the UAE is paving the way for a future where technology serves humanity, making life better and driving beneficial societal transformation.
It is our responsibility to build a future based on technology that is compassionate, innovative, and driven by bright young minds determined to use technology for the benefit of everyone.
About the Contributor
Sanjana Bhardwaj is a seasoned strategy and social policy expert with over two decades of experience in advancing sustainable development across the Middle East, Australia, and Asia. An Australian national, she specializes in advising governments, UN agencies, and NGOs on child protection, disability inclusion, gender-based violence, and youth wellbeing. With a strong foundation in social work and education from the University of Delhi, Sanjana has played a pivotal role in policy design, legislative reform, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement initiatives.
Her contributions include leading child protection reforms in the UAE, conducting gap analyses for social services, and driving emotional safety campaigns for children across 13 countries. She has held influential roles with organizations like UNICEF, Deloitte Middle East, and the Emirates Safer Internet Society, and served as a tactical advisor to Abu Dhabi Police and consultant to various government departments. Sanjana’s work is grounded in evidence-based approaches and community-driven research, with a steadfast commitment to social justice, child safety, and inclusive development.
This contribution is for the Mother’s Day Initiative #builtbymothers.
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