Artificial intelligence is no longer an experimental tool in education; in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it is becoming the default architecture of the classroom. As one of the first nations to articulate a comprehensive national AI strategy and to integrate AI-driven systems into schools at scale, the UAE offers a rare opportunity to examine what an “AI-native” learning ecosystem looks like in practice. This paper investigates how AI-enabled learning analytics and adaptive technologies are reshaping teaching, assessment, and educational governance in a high-income and innovation-driven context. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines policy analysis, EdTech implementation data, and interviews with school leaders and educators, the study identifies three major shifts emerging within AI-native classrooms: the redefinition of the teacher’s role as a data-informed learning designer; the transition from standardised to personalised learning pathways; and the rise of system-level analytics that influence school policy and resource allocation in real time. The paper argues that the UAE functions as a global testbed for next-generation education systems, offering insights that extend well beyond the Gulf region. Findings highlight both the transformative potential of AI, including greater instructional precision, early identification of learning gaps, and enhanced learner engagement, as well as the risks related to teacher preparedness, ethical data use, and policy capacity. The study concludes by outlining a policy framework for countries that aim to move from AI-assisted to AI-native schooling. The framework emphasises responsible data governance, teacher training, and human-centred design. By analysing the UAE’s early adoption trajectory, this paper contributes

Authors:
Aiswarya Thara Bhai, Bettroi, United Arab Emirates

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Aiswarya Thara Bhai Anish is an education strategist and researcher specialising in AI-enabled learning systems. She leads AI and strategy at The Animal-i and develops innovative, data-driven approaches to teaching, learning, and EdTech policy.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aiswaryatanish/

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