RIYADH — In a bold step toward building a knowledge-based society, Saudi Arabia is launching a new artificial intelligence (AI) curriculum for more than six million public school students starting in the 2025–2026 academic year.
This nationwide rollout marks the country’s first comprehensive, multi-level integration of AI into general education — a move designed to prepare students for future careers in technology and innovation while advancing the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
What the New AI Curriculum Means for Students
The curriculum, jointly developed by the National Centre for Curriculum, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, and the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), aims to:
- Introduce AI concepts at an early age
- Encourage creativity, problem-solving, and innovation
- Build student skills for AI-based solutions to real-world challenges
Prepare learners for advanced studies and AI-driven careers
Aligning with Saudi Vision 2030
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 places strong emphasis on diversifying the economy and developing human capital. By integrating AI into general education, the Kingdom is:
- Positioning itself as a global leader in data and AI
- Building a pipeline of future-ready talent
- Ensuring that AI education meets international standards through the Saudi Academic Framework for AI Qualifications
Beyond the Classroom: National AI Initiatives
This curriculum is part of a much larger ecosystem of programs led by SDAIA, including:
- Generative AI Guide for Education — promoting ethical and responsible AI use while supporting teachers
- SAMAI Initiative — aiming to train one million Saudis in AI knowledge; more than half a million already registered
- AI Scholarship Program — sending top Saudi students abroad to study AI and data science at prestigious universities
- Generative AI Academy (with NVIDIA) — cultivating advanced AI professionals to compete on the global stage
EDU Passport’s Perspective
Saudi Arabia’s decision to embed AI education across all levels of public schooling is one of the most ambitious national education reforms of the decade. It underscores a critical global trend: AI literacy will become as fundamental as reading and math.
For educators worldwide, the lesson is clear: preparing students for tomorrow’s economy requires early, consistent, and ethical AI education.
👉 Explore EDU Passport’s resources on AI in education — and how schools worldwide can prepare students for the future of work.
