MENA · country & exam lens
AI learning in United Arab Emirates
Distinctive for government-mandated in-school AI, sitting alongside a large expat IGCSE/IB tutoring market — and a genuine Arabic-first STEM edge.
Exam systems
- EmSAT (cancelled) — The national standardised test, which had replaced CEPA for university entry, has been cancelled; universities set revised admission requirements from Spring 2025, such as English test scores or school grades.
- IGCSE / IB — Large expat streams sit international qualifications in private schools.
Languages of the classroom
Public schools historically Arabic-medium (shifting to English for Maths/Science in newer schools); private schools bilingual by design. Arabic + English is the baseline.
Price points
Private tutoring ~AED 200/hour on average, up to ~AED 400/hour. Alef and Madrasa are free at the point of use (government/MBRGI-funded).
How students reach it (delivery channel)
Government-mandated in-school AI (Alef in all public schools) plus a free national Arabic library (Madrasa), over standard connections.
How it’s used
A government-backed in-school AI pattern unusual among the markets on this map.
Built for this exam
Alef Education — AI-adaptive platform deployed in all UAE public schools (Grades 5–12), integrating curriculum, exam prep and assessment. (not yet profiled on the map)
Madrasa — A free MBRGI public-good library of ~5,000 Arabised STEM videos, KG–Grade 12. (not yet profiled on the map)
Lamsa — A bilingual Arabic/English early-years app (ages 2–8). (not yet profiled on the map)