Edarabia had the opportunity to interview Majd C. Hussain, Principal of the American School of Creative Science – Maliha, to discuss how schools are adapting to the UAE’s evolving education landscape shaped by artificial intelligence and digital transformation. In this conversation, he shares insights on developing AI literacy, embedding ethical thinking and computational reasoning across the curriculum, and preparing students with intellectual agility and resilience. He also highlights the importance of empowering Students of Determination, strengthening digital citizenship, and cultivating responsible global citizens ready to shape the future.

Q1. With the UAE making AI a formal subject from Kindergarten to Grade 12 this year, how has your school transitioned from “using AI tools” to “teaching AI” as a core competency?

Our transition from operational AI use to teaching AI as a core intellectual competency aligns naturally with our long-standing vision of cultivating global citizens. Earlier, AI functioned as an efficiency tool—helping teachers refine content, differentiate instruction, and design meaningful feedback. When the UAE positioned AI as a formal subject, we redefined learning outcomes around AI literacy, computational thinking, data awareness, algorithmic reasoning, and ethical reflection, embedding these skills across the curriculum. This shift demanded redesigned inquiry cycles, new assessment models that prioritize reasoning, and teacher capacity building grounded in pedagogy rather than mere tool mastery.

Q2. How does the school balance the new AI guidelines (such as the ban on GenAI for students under 13) with the need to keep older students competitive and ethically aware?

We navigate the GenAI restrictions for students under 13 as important developmental guardrails. Younger learners engage with AI through conceptual and experiential pathways—logic exercises, pattern recognition, simulations, and age-appropriate ethical discussions—building foundational understanding without dependency on automated outputs. As students progress into upper grades, access expands deliberately, supported by clear ethical frameworks aligned with our AI policy. We emphasize responsible prompting, bias detection, transparency, and the necessity of human judgment. Competitiveness is measured by intellectual agility—the capacity to question outputs, recognize limitations, and integrate AI thoughtfully. This staged progression protects academic integrity while equipping students with the fluency needed in an AI-shaped world.

Q3. Beyond academic transcripts, what are the three “non-negotiable” skills you believe a student must graduate with to thrive in the 2030s?

Intellectual agility, ethical intelligence, and resilience.

Q4. With the job market evolving so rapidly, how do you steer students toward adaptability rather than just specific career paths?

Preparing students to shape the world thoughtfully and responsibly ensures they develop adaptability, human-centered innovation, and ethical intelligence rather than just operational skills.

Q5. How does your school move beyond the “one-size-fits-all” model to ensure that a student’s unique strengths are recognized and nurtured?

Supporting Students of Determination is not about intervention; it is about empowerment. Together with teachers, parents, and specialists, we craft personalized plans grounded in measurable goals, monitored continuously by specialist teachers and Learning Support Assistants. Students learn within mainstream classrooms, supported in ways that build independence and confidence. They participate fully in school life—Qur’an competitions, sports teams, leadership programs, and community initiatives—platforms through which they can excel and demonstrate their strengths. Our aim: every learner must not only belong but thrive.

Q6. How do you practically teach resilience so that students view rapid global changes as opportunities rather than threats?

Resilience is embedded in the culture of empowerment, ethical decision-making, and participation in meaningful school initiatives. Students develop capacity to navigate challenges through support, guidance, and engagement in real-world contexts.

Q10. How is the school evolving its support for “Students of Determination” to ensure they are not just included, but are actively excelling?

As above — personalized plans, continuous monitoring, empowerment in mainstream classrooms, and participation in school initiatives.

Q7. Beyond preventing cyberbullying, how are you teaching students to curate a “digital footprint” they can be proud of as they enter adulthood?

Digital citizenship is integrated across subjects and reinforced through Social and Emotional Learning. Students learn to curate a digital identity they can be proud of by analyzing real-life scenarios, engaging in guided dialogue, and practicing thoughtful decision-making. High-school students mentor younger peers to strengthen accountability and leadership. Online platforms are secure and monitored, but protection is paired with education. Parents are engaged through workshops to reinforce shared expectations.

Q8. In an era of hybrid initiatives like “Ramadan with the Family,” how has the role of the parent changed in your school’s ecosystem?

Parents are engaged in workshops to reinforce shared expectations and support student wellbeing and digital responsibility.

Q9. If you could leave one inspiring message or lesson for your school community and the wider world, what would it be?

Our purpose remains steadfast: to prepare students not just for the world as it is, but for the world they will help build—one defined by ethical intelligence, resilience, and human-centered innovation.