Tes · 22 Sep, 05:00 · Artificial Intelligence briefing

Why the UAE is rolling out an AI literacy curriculum - and reducing screen use

The United Arab Emirates has introduced a new national curriculum focused on AI literacy for students, while simultaneously implementing measures to reduce screen time.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

The United Arab Emirates has introduced a new national curriculum focused on AI literacy for students, while simultaneously implementing measures to reduce screen time. This dual approach aims to balance technological proficiency with digital wellbeing. The initiative reflects a broader strategic effort to prepare the next generation for an AI-integrated workforce without compromising mental health. For professionals, this signals a shift in how digital competence is defined, moving beyond mere tool usage to include critical understanding and responsible engagement with technology.

Employer demand for AI Strategy skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

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This policy highlights a growing demand for professionals who understand AI ethics, digital wellbeing, and strategic technology integration. Roles in education, corporate training, and HR will see increased value as organisations adapt internal policies. You should focus on developing skills in AI strategy and responsible digital leadership. Smart professionals will upskill in AI governance and change management to help their organisations navigate this balance. Consider courses that bridge technical AI knowledge with human-centric management practices. This shift suggests that future career success depends not just on technical proficiency, but on the ability to manage technology’s impact on people and productivity effectively.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are AI Strategy, Artificial Intelligence, Education and Human Resources — exactly the programmes matched below. The chart shows the indicative salary uplift certified professionals report in each of those fields; every one of them is a click away, from £79, finishing in as few as 20 days.

Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

Matched to this story

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