UAE, South Korea Explore Strategic Cooperation in AI-Driven Education and Future Skills Development

Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Korea have explored opportunities to strengthen cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), educational innovation, teacher development and future skills during an official visit by Eng. Mohammed Al Qasim, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Education (MoE), to South Korea.

The visit forms part of the UAE’s ongoing efforts to build a world-class education system capable of preparing future generations for leadership in the knowledge economy and enhancing the country’s global competitiveness.

According to the Ministry of Education, the visit reflects its commitment to benefiting from leading international expertise to shape the future of learning in the era of artificial intelligence and to deepen collaboration with global educational and research institutions driving transformation in education policies and practices.

During the visit, Al Qasim held talks with EunOk Choi, Vice Minister of the Korean Ministry of Education, along with senior officials from the fields of education, research and innovation. Discussions focused on cooperation in AI, educational capacity-building, future skills development and sustainable educational transformation.

The meetings addressed a wide range of issues, including the future of education in the age of AI, international best practices in curriculum development, teacher empowerment, modernization of assessment systems and the use of data and smart technologies to improve educational quality and operational efficiency. The two sides also explored ways to strengthen links between education and the national economy and prepare talent for future industries.

In his meeting with Choi, Al Qasim reviewed national policies on AI integration in education, mechanisms for developing teacher and student capabilities and emerging trends aimed at creating more flexible, efficient and globally competitive education systems.

At Seoul National University, the UAE delegation was briefed on advanced programmes for training teachers and educational leaders, as well as the role of scientific research in improving teaching practices and shaping educational policy. Discussions also covered the incorporation of AI into teacher training and classroom methodologies.

Recognising the importance of early childhood development, Al Qasim met with representatives of Korea Institute of Child Care and Education to discuss innovative policies and practices that enhance school readiness and improve the quality of early childhood education through research-based and evidence-driven approaches.

The delegation also reviewed South Korea’s achievements in talent development and STEM education during meetings with Korea Foundation for Science and Creativity and Seoul Science High School. The discussions highlighted programmes designed to promote critical thinking, creativity, scientific research and innovation, helping prepare future generations for leadership roles in technology-driven and knowledge-based sectors.

In addition, Al Qasim examined South Korea’s pioneering use of AI and digital transformation to improve educational outcomes, enhance system efficiency, support teachers and facilitate data-driven decision-making. The discussions also covered curriculum design, assessment methodologies and aligning educational outcomes with future labour market demands.

The UAE official was further briefed on advanced educational management models, programmes for gifted students, initiatives to strengthen scientific and technological competencies and best practices in technical and vocational education linked to strategic economic sectors.

Speaking during the visit, Al Qasim stressed that artificial intelligence has become a transformative force in global education rather than merely a technological option. He said education systems that effectively harness AI will be best positioned to equip future generations with the knowledge, skills and adaptability needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

He noted that the UAE and South Korea share a common vision focused on investing in human capital, innovation and technology as key pillars of sustainable development. He added that the visit opens new avenues for collaboration, knowledge exchange and the development of initiatives aimed at creating smarter, more efficient and future-ready education systems.

Al Qasim concluded that South Korea’s achievements in teacher empowerment, AI integration, curriculum development, assessment systems, talent cultivation and aligning education with economic priorities provide an inspiring model that can support the UAE’s ambition to strengthen its position as a global hub for education, innovation and human capital development.