News

In a milestone achievement for youth-led innovation, 10-year-old Emirati girl AlDhabi AlMheiri has launched a first-of-its-kind AI Learning Academy—a free online platform created by a child, for children. Designed for learners aged 7 to 13, the academy aims to build early digital literacy and make artificial intelligence accessible, engaging, and fun.

Engaging lessons with real-world relevance

The AI Learning Academy features:

• 20 short video lessons covering AI fundamentals, ethics, and even entrepreneurship
• Printable worksheets and hands-on projects to turn abstract ideas into fun, practical learning experiences
• Content in both Arabic and English, making it accessible to a global audience
• A format that’s intentionally informal, filled with cartoon characters and examples that resonate with young learners

This approach is backed by research: children are more likely to retain information and engage deeply with content created by their peers. Studies show that peer-designed learning improves understanding of abstract subjects by up to 40%.

Empowering girls through ‘Girls in AI’ workshops

The platform also addresses the gender imbalance in tech. In the MENA region, there’s a 30% gender gap in AI participation among middle school students. To tackle this, the academy includes dedicated ‘Girls in AI’ workshops, designed to boost confidence and inspire more girls to pursue careers in technology and innovation.

Teaching values, not just skills

What sets this platform apart is its focus on ethics and character-building. In addition to understanding how AI works, children learn about important values such as:

• Fairness and responsibility
• Privacy and digital safety
• Entrepreneurship and innovation

Students are encouraged to think like creators, not just consumers. “They can build, they can lead, and they can start young,” AlDhabi explains.

A young leader with an inspiring vision

AlDhabi is no ordinary child. She holds four Guinness World Records, including for being the youngest publisher of a bilingual book and a book series. She has undergone 163 hours of AI training certified by IBM, attended executive learning programs at NYU Abu Dhabi, and participated in an entrepreneurship fellowship at Georgetown University.

Now live: a free global platform for families and schools

The AI Learning Academy is now available at www.ailearning.ae, offering a free, multilingual, and child-safe experience for families and schools around the world. Whether in the UAE or beyond, children can now begin their journey into the world of AI—guided by one of their own.

AlDhabi’s story is a reminder that age is no barrier to leadership, and the future of education is already being shaped by the young minds it seeks to empower.