Edarabia had the opportunity to interview Ataullah Parkar, Principal of ISCS Nad Al Sheba, to discuss how schools are adapting to the UAE’s evolving education landscape. In this conversation, he shares insights on building AI literacy, encouraging critical thinking, strengthening cultural understanding through national subjects, and supporting student wellbeing. He also highlights the importance of adaptability, integrity, and resilience in preparing students to thrive and contribute meaningfully in a rapidly changing world.

1. 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?

Schools are moving beyond simply allowing students to use digital tools. The focus is on helping students understand how technologies such as AI influence the world around them and the types of logical thinking and sequencing required to successfully use current and future AI software. Developing AI literacy is not just about technical skills; it is about teaching students to question information, understand how systems generate knowledge, and engage responsibly with powerful technologies.

2. In light of the 2025 nationwide smartphone ban, how has your school culture shifted? Have you seen a tangible impact on student social interaction and focus?

Many schools in Dubai are strengthening their policies around device use—not to reject technology, but to ensure that it serves learning rather than dominating it. Clear boundaries help restore space for deep thinking, meaningful discussion, and genuine human interaction.

3. How is your school integrating the mandatory national subjects (Arabic, Islamic Studies, and National Identity) to ensure they resonate with a diverse, international student body?

Subjects such as Arabic, Islamic Studies, and national identity remain essential pillars within the curriculum. When taught meaningfully, they help students understand the heritage, values, and aspirations that shape society. For international students, these subjects provide insight into the culture of the country they call home. For Emirati students, they reinforce a connection to history and identity in an increasingly globalised world.

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

Critical thinking, adaptability, and integrity. Students who thrive will think critically, adapt to change, collaborate across cultures, and act with integrity.

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

Moving beyond a one-size-fits-all model, students are given opportunities to discover their strengths, develop resilience, and understand that challenges are part of growth rather than barriers to success.

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

As above, students must be given opportunities to discover their strengths, develop resilience, and understand that challenges are part of growth. Curricula reflect the sum of the parts of every lived school experience.

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

Students are guided to understand that challenges are part of growth rather than barriers to success. Strong pastoral systems and supportive learning environments ensure wellbeing remains central to this process.

8. With rising academic pressures, what “boots-on-the-ground” support systems are in place to catch signs of burnout before they become crises?

Strong pastoral systems and supportive learning environments are essential in ensuring wellbeing remains central, allowing students to flourish academically and personally.

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

If we succeed, the graduates of Dubai’s schools will not only be prepared for the future; they will help shape it. Education must prepare students for a world changing faster than any curriculum can be rewritten.