Today's Edition
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
Preparing students for the "real world" used to mean teaching them technical skills. Now, the focus is on training them to work alongside machines — and mastering the human skills that make them irreplaceable. That's the direction vocational education is heading, an expert told Aletihad.
Vocational education in the UAE is shifting its focus toward immersing students in intelligent technologies, said Dr Mae Almansoori, Director of R&D Talent Enablement at the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC).
"The future is not just about teaching students how to use technology but also how to work alongside intelligent systems from day one," Almansoori said.
Simulations, digital twins, and AI-powered learning environments now let today's youth step into their future workplaces before they ever enter one.
Amid the constant churn of AI developments, however, Dr Almansoori stressed that it is essential to keep the human touch at the core of vocational training.
She said data literacy, AI fluency, and digital ethics must be paired with critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving and communication. As AI takes over repetitive tasks, these uniquely human skills will only grow more valuable in the workplace.
"The most valuable skill in an AI-powered economy will be knowing when to trust AI, when to challenge it, and how to work with it effectively," she said.
Backed by national investment in technology, research and talent development, the AI transition in education is already underway in Abu Dhabi and across the UAE, Almansoori said.
"The UAE has already established itself as a global destination for technology and innovation, ranking 26th globally in the Global Knowledge Index 2025 and recording the world's fastest growth in AI talent concentration," she said.
"While attracting world-class talent remains important, long-term success depends equally on developing talent locally."
At ATRC, for instance, the goal is to spark students' interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics while building clear pathways from the classroom into careers in advanced research and technology.
The council's School Programme gives thousands of students hands-on experience in autonomous robotics, AI and digital science, quantum technologies, and space technologies, while its Future Focused Career Pathways initiative guides students from Grade 8 through their first jobs.
"Sustaining leadership in AI will depend on developing the next generation of scientists, engineers, researchers and innovators who will help shape the technologies of the future," Dr Almansoori said.
Discussing AI's role in education, the expert emphasised that technology should enhance — not replace — the human element of learning.
"The goal is not to make education more digital. The goal is to make it more human through technology." she said.
As one of the first countries to make AI education mandatory from kindergarten, the UAE is already demonstrating how that balance looks like.
"Students are being encouraged to understand how AI systems work, think critically about data and algorithms, and explore the ethical considerations that come with emerging technologies," Dr Almansoori said.
Looking ahead to 2035, she sees education moving in "a more practical direction". "We will see greater use of real-world projects, industry partnerships, AI-powered simulations, and challenge-based learning that gives students direct exposure to the technologies and sectors shaping the economy."
For vocational education, that means "more agile, more personalised" learning that is closely aligned with emerging fields such as AI, advanced manufacturing, autonomous systems, green energy, and digital media, Dr Almansoori said.
More professionals will also be "pursuing continuous upskilling through flexible pathways such as modular programmes and micro-credentials throughout their careers," she added. "As technology continues to evolve, lifelong learning will become increasingly important."
