Generative AI Use Banned for UAE Students Under 13 Years Old

The Ministry of Education has introduced a national framework governing the use of generative artificial intelligence in UAE schools, prohibiting its use by students under the age of 13 or below Year 7 and banning it during formal examinations and official assessments.
The new rules, outlined in the 2026 ‘Safe and Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in Classrooms’ manual, set out age limits, exam restrictions and oversight requirements. Any use of generative AI outside approved frameworks will be subject to accountability under existing educational regulations.
Academic integrity is central to the framework. Schools are required to prevent academic dishonesty and ensure students do not rely entirely on AI tools to complete assignments. Presenting AI-generated work — including research projects or reports — as personal work without disclosure or teacher approval is prohibited. Students are also barred from copying or rephrasing AI-generated outputs without demonstrating understanding of the material.
Generative AI may only be used where there is direct teacher oversight and clear instructional guidance. Both teachers and students must verify the accuracy, relevance and alignment of AI-generated content with approved curricula and learning objectives.
Strict privacy and intellectual property protections are mandated. Schools and users are prohibited from uploading personal data — including names, photographs, audio or video recordings, identity details and contact information — into AI systems. Circulating copyrighted or protected material without the owner’s permission is also forbidden, as is fabricating or manipulating content through deepfake technologies or impersonation. Accessing confidential school materials or using AI to record and transcribe classroom interactions without explicit consent from all parties is also classified as a serious breach.