The Ministry of Education (MoE) and Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) have announced the launch of the National AI Upskilling Programme for Teachers in a strategic move that reflects the practical implementation of the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two parties and marks the first joint initiative of their partnership.
The launch of the programme, which will be available to all MoE teachers across the UAE, aligns with the joint commitment of both entities to transform institutional partnerships into effective national initiatives that create direct, sustainable impact on the educational sector. It aims to empower educational professionals and enhance the readiness of the national education system to meet the demands of the future and digital transformation requirements.
Leveraging its pioneering expertise in smart education and advanced digital learning models, HBMSU designed and developed the programme, focusing on creating a practical and flexible learning experience that empowers teachers to employ artificial intelligence (AI) technologies efficiently and confidently within the classroom.
The programme aims to enhance teachers' capabilities in utilising AI tools within their daily educational practices in a practical and ethical manner. This supports the overall quality of the educational process and contributes to developing new methods for planning, evaluation and student interaction, while maintaining the pivotal role of the teacher without imposing additional burdens. Designed as a flexible, self-paced learning journey, the programme consists of eight focused educational modules that allow teachers to combine theoretical learning with practical application, tailored to their specific specialisations and educational contexts.
Furthermore, the programme features an AI-powered interactive design. The smart educational system adapts to the teacher's individual needs, providing instant feedback and practical suggestions based on real-life educational scenarios. This reflects a highly advanced approach to utilising AI as an enabling tool that enhances a teacher's expertise and professional performance.
Her Excellency Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, Minister of Education, stated that the launch of the National AI Upskilling Programme for Teachers falls under the umbrella of a comprehensive strategic partnership with HBMSU that aims to elevate the national education system by systematically and sustainably integrating modern technologies and AI to keep pace with current demands, specifically by investing in the digital empowerment of teachers as the foundational pillar for advancing educational quality. Her Excellency emphasised that this approach fosters a flexible and innovative educational environment based on proactivity and future foresight, supporting the development of advanced educational models rooted in continuous learning and interactive experiences.
Her Excellency added that expanding partnerships with higher education institutions serves as a key driver for accelerating educational innovation and cementing a pioneering Emirati educational model that enhances the country's competitiveness, both regionally and globally, in the field of educational technology (EdTech).
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University, said that the launch of the programme represents a significant milestone in the evolution of education in the UAE, embodying the vision of the country's leadership to invest in human capital and equip educators with the tools of the future. His Excellency pointed out that the programme reflects a practical shift in integrating AI technologies within the educational environment by developing teachers' capabilities and empowering them to use such technologies efficiently and confidently. This, in turn, contributes to elevating the quality of the educational process and enhancing teaching methods and student interaction in line with best global practices.
H.E. Al Tayer reaffirmed HBMSU's commitment to continuously developing innovative educational initiatives, in firm alignment with the UAE's strategic direction to accelerate digital transformation and consolidate the nation's position as a global hub for educational innovation, thereby supporting progress towards the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
For his part, His Excellency Eng. Mohammed Al Qassim, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education, affirmed that the programme reflects the Ministry's strategic direction to develop specialised training programmes focused on equipping teachers with skills needed for the future, empowering them to utilise AI tools consciously and responsibly within the educational environment with the aim of improving the quality of teaching practices and raising the efficiency of learning outcomes. His Excellency noted that enhancing teacher readiness is a central pillar in supporting digital transformation in education by adopting global best practices for integrating technology into learning and added that national partnerships, and the exchange of expertise, with academic institutions heavily contribute to developing a sustainable training ecosystem capable of keeping pace with future changes.
His Excellency Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University, stated: "This programme represents the first executive outcome of the MoU with the Ministry of Education and embodies the University's direction towards designing smart, practical learning experiences rooted in the realities of the classroom and the needs of teachers. Through this partnership, we were keen to develop an AI-supported programme that respects the teachers' expertise and empowers them to employ modern technologies ethically and effectively, which will directly contribute to improving educational outcomes and enhancing the readiness of classrooms for the future of education in the UAE."
Upon successful completion of the programme, participating teachers will receive a certificate of participation in recognition of their commitment to professional development and their readiness to adopt AI tools and technologies in their teaching practices.
The launch of the National AI Upskilling Programme for Teachers underscores the dedication of both the MoE and HBMSU to drive educational transformation, instil a culture of innovation and reinforce the UAE's standing as a leading global hub for smart education and innovation.