AI-integrated education is becoming part of the fabric of K-12 classrooms and teacher education programs. However, many educators are not yet ready to embrace this change.

Listening to educators in the UAE on how they perceive the integration of Generative AI (GenAI) in teacher training programs, I found a mix of emotions among them, reflecting excitement, valid concerns, and a strong belief that GenAI must be thoughtfully and carefully used.

As one educator noted, “AI isn’t the star of the show but a powerful tool in the hands of caring, thoughtful teachers”. This sentiment was echoed widely. The educators I met are calling on the governing bodies of education to develop clear policies, review and set ethical guidelines on the use of GenAI tools, and provide tailored professional development to educators on how to utilize AI ethically and more effectively. Teachers in the UAE are supportive of GenAI use provided it is not going to replace us, humans. At the heart of their perspective lies a simple truth: education is relational. It is embedded in what we call ‘emotional intelligence’, something that AI cannot replicate.

GenAI tools already offer practical applications in education. They can personalize learning pathways, assist in automating administrative tasks, and offer its users real-time feedback. For our teachers, this means more time can now be allocated to focus on creativity in teaching, relationship building with students, and deeper learning in the classroom. For teacher education programs, this means that AI can help future teachers to practice teaching in virtual environments when in-person training in schools is limited. These tools can also provide targeted feedback and expand access to a variety of digital resources that support diverse classroom needs.

Challenges and Opportunities on the Ground

In the study, pharmacists are working closely with doctors to deliver patient education sessions. So far, 150 patients have received these sessions, which explain what PPIs are used for, their possible side effects, and how to know when it is time to stop taking them.

Many patients are already on low doses, and under medical supervision, some have been able to reduce or stop their medication safely. The sessions are helping participants make informed choices about their health.

Early Findings: Promising Results

The UAE’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 highlights the country’s commitment to becoming a global leader in AI. Integrating AI into education is therefore not simply a passing a trend but a strategic move to prepare both students and teachers for a technology-driven future. However, many of the teacher educators shared that they feel underprepared to navigate this rapidly evolving landscape. Limited awareness and insufficient training on effective AI use were among the most commonly cited challenges.

Ethical concerns also featured prominently in discussions. Educators raised questions about data privacy and academic integrity, especially at times when many individuals in higher education and K-12 settings are now using tools like ChatGPT and other GenAI platforms. For example, one educator shared, “AI can enhance learning, but it should not replace the critical role of teachers in fostering creativity and emotional intelligence.” Others worried that overreliance on AI could weaken human connection and diminish opportunities to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. At the same time, many educators viewed AI as an ally, helping in designing tailored, personalized, and inclusive lesson plans and streamlining tasks such as grading and feedback.

What's Next

From free virtual tutoring tools to augmented reality experiences, classrooms in the UAE are becoming increasingly technology-enabled and educators surely need to keep up. Yet, at the same time, AI risks widening the digital divide if access to the emerging AI tools and training on related platforms, applications, and programs is not equitable. Ensuring fair access to new instructional and technological resources should remain a priority across educational institutions. Building confidence and capabilities among current and future educators must be an ongoing effort as AI tools continue to evolve.

Generative AI is not a temporary disruption, and its presence in education and other sectors will only expand. However, successful integration of AI requires thoughtful planning, ethical awareness, and an actionable commitment to equity. Teacher educators in the UAE will continue to navigate this shift in schooling, teaching and learning with both caution and care, recognizing the potential benefits of GenAI while remaining attentive to its emerging risks.