The UAE is rapidly integrating AI into everyday life, focusing on ethical use and education to prepare residents for a technology-driven future.

In the United Arab Emirates, nearly 75% of residents believe there is a pressing need for greater awareness and education regarding the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI). This insight comes from a recent survey by De Montfort University (DMU) Dubai, reflecting the nation's commitment to becoming a global leader in technology and innovation.

The survey reveals that AI has firmly established itself as an integral part of daily life and professional routines. More than 60% of participants report using AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Copilot regularly for tasks ranging from learning to problem-solving. Despite this widespread usage, 72% emphasize the importance of educational initiatives to ensure understanding and ethical application.

This dual focus on adoption and ethics highlights DMU Dubai's pivotal role in equipping students with not only AI skills but also a strong ethical foundation. The survey also points to an age-related confidence gap, where only 44% of young adults aged 18–24 feel prepared to enter the workforce compared to 59% overall. Despite having access to advanced tools that enhance productivity, young people still face challenges navigating a tech-evolving job market.

Fostering Ethical AI Competence

Professor Shushma Patel from DMU Dubai underscores the transformative potential of AI technologies: "The power of AI surpasses other technological breakthroughs we've seen over the past five decades." She stresses that educational institutions must be proactive in teaching responsible AI usage alongside innovation.

DMU Dubai actively integrates generative AI software into its curriculum while highlighting societal implications. By doing so, it prepares students not just as users but as informed evaluators who can guide technology ethically.

A Unique Educational Model

The university's block teaching model-unique in the region-enables students to master one subject at a time, fostering deeper understanding rather than surface familiarity with various topics simultaneously. A focused approach allows learners ample opportunity for critical analysis and skill development necessary for navigating an increasingly complex digital world.

Navigating Public Perceptions

While many embrace AI's ability to ease life’s tasks (67%), nearly half express concerns about dependence hindering critical thinking skills. According to Simon Bradbury at DMU Dubai: "Society now moves beyond mere fascination towards crucial reflection on what responsible technology should entail." This shift requires academia-industry collaborations addressing these considerations where they unfold.

Tackling Career Uncertainties

The dynamic nature of technology blurs traditional career paths; hence balancing technical proficiency with human-centric abilities remains essential. Professor Patel notes: "Empowering graduates through innovative research aids them entering markets confidently with relevance." Complementing tech fluency alongside creativity ensures graduates remain irreplaceable by algorithms alone while maintaining competitive advantage globally-a philosophy deeply entrenched within DMU Dubai’s academic framework.