Dubai schools to receive new rules on AI use for children next year

Dubai schools are set to receive new guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence in classrooms next year, according to the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). The organization aims to strike a balance between preparing students for a digital world and preventing overuse of technology, according to the KHDA's director general, Aisha Miran.

The specific details of the guidelines have not been disclosed, but they are expected to cover how schools utilize AI, the safeguards they should implement, and the role of parents in its use. Miran emphasized the importance of determining the right time to use AI to enhance student learning, as well as when students should exercise caution.

The KHDA is also considering the age and developmental stage of pupils when setting out when AI or other technology can improve learning. The authority is collaborating with other entities to educate families about responsible screen-time usage, as children often use screens at home after school. Dubai's Education 33 strategy, launched in October 2024, prioritizes future skills, critical thinking, and personalized learning.

The KHDA aims to ensure that children can use technology responsibly rather than merely restricting access. With Dubai's private school enrollment reaching approximately 406,500, a 4.6 percent increase since June, the education master plan is being developed to accommodate the growing population and provide families with access to the desired type of school without long commutes.