School Improvement in the UAE and the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Macroeconomics on the Future Number of Schools

The UAE is experiencing rapid growth in its educational infrastructure. Dubai is estimated to require an additional 205,000 seats by 2040, translating to over 100 schools. This expansion is driven by the influx of new residents and the growing demand for quality education.

Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan projects the emirate’s population to reach 5.8 million, with a forecasted CAGR of 2.7% from 2024.

Projected student enrolment at private schools in (Dubai 2024 – 2040F)

Considering current private school enrollment ratios, Dubai’s population forecasts, and an average private school capacity of 2,000 students, it is estimated that Dubai would require an additional 52 schools by 2035 and a total of 102 additional schools to meet demand by 2040. This substantial investment in primary and secondary education reflects the UAE's commitment to nurturing a knowledge-based economy.

Government Agendas on School Improvement

The UAE government has developed several strategies to bring significant qualitative improvements to the education system. The E33 strategy aims to transform Dubai's education system by 2033 with a learner-centric approach. It focuses on five strategic goals: empowering Emiratis, ensuring equitable and accessible education, engaging educators and parents, positioning Dubai as a world-class learning destination, and fostering an innovative ecosystem. Key targets include increasing affordable school seats, adding Emirati teachers, and boosting education tourism. AI will play a crucial role in personalizing learning, providing data-driven insights, enhancing accessibility, supporting teachers, and using predictive analytics. The government also emphasizes inclusive education, ensuring that students with special needs receive the support they require.

Areas to Focus on in School Improvement and the Use of AI

To achieve school improvement, several key areas need to be addressed:

1. Curriculum and Assessment: Aligning the curriculum with international standards and incorporating AI-driven assessments to provide personalised learning experiences. The UAE School Inspection Framework emphasizes the importance of data-driven insights to guide instruction and ensure continuous improvement.

2. Teacher Training:

Providing ongoing professional development for teachers to effectively integrate AI tools into their teaching practices. Key components of effective AI PD should include

•  Foundational Knowledge: Understanding what AI is, how it works, and its applications in education

•  Practical Application: Hands-on training with AI tools to create lesson plans, assessments, and personalized learning experiences

•  Ethical Considerations: Addressing data privacy, bias, and the ethical use of AI in education

•   Continuous Support: Ongoing mentorship and resources to help teachers stay updated with AI advancements

•   Collaborative Learning: Opportunities for teachers to share experiences and strategies with peers

3. Leadership and Management: Enhancing educational leadership skills to effectively lead and manage school improvement initiatives. School leaders must understand the potential of AI and guide their institutions through the transition.

4. Technology Integration: Leveraging AI to create personalized learning experiences, improve educational outcomes, and address learning deficiencies. AI tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and MagicSchool.ai can assist teachers in creating lesson plans, grading, and providing personalized feedback.

5. Inclusive Education: Ensuring that all students, including those with special needs, have access to quality education. AI enhances inclusivity for students with special needs by personalizing learning, providing assistive technologies, and enabling early detection of learning challenges. It also improves accessibility, facilitates communication, and keeps students engaged through interactive methods.

6. Future of Learning: AI-Driven Innovations AI is transforming the education industry by introducing innovative learning environments and tools. Intelligent adaptive education systems provide personalized instruction and feedback for each learner. The future of AI-based education includes refined iterations of these platforms, human-machine interaction teaching models, and new paradigms of parallel education.

Conclusion

With 18 years of experience working at a senior level in schools in this region, we have developed a deep understanding of the educational landscape, and the advent of AI presents a unique opportunity to transform education in the UAE. Our experience working with schools involves collaborating with school leaders to recalibrate and adapt to a changing landscape. The areas we focus on include

To truly transform our education system, we must begin with purpose—always asking 'why.' By harnessing the power of AI technologies, we envision a future-ready educational landscape that caters to every student's unique needs. Our mission should prioritize emotional well-being, adaptability, and personalized learning experiences that empower learners to excel. With passionate educators and groundbreaking methods at the forefront, we can equip students to thrive in an ever-evolving world. Together, we can build a resilient, inclusive, and innovative education system that prepares future generations for success.

Written by Stephen Cox, Senior Manager – Education Knight Frank MENA