Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping education, but schools must ensure technology supports learning without replacing human values, said Dr. Maya Al Hawary, Chairwoman of Carmel School Dubai, in an exclusive interview with AIBC.
The first Emirati woman to earn a PhD discussed how schools, teachers and parents are adapting to AI. She also stressed the importance of emotional intelligence, ethics and strong family values as technology becomes part of everyday learning.
Dr. Al Hawary said children naturally embrace new technology, while adults often need time to catch up.
“I don’t think children are aware. I think they go with the flow naturally, with instincts,” she said.
She explained that school leaders face growing pressure to understand AI before introducing it into classrooms. They also have to ensure new tools are safe while meeting government standards and annual school inspections.
According to Dr. Al Hawary, the pace of AI development makes it difficult for schools to keep up with every new platform and application.
Dr. Al Hawary said schools are expected to play an important role in supporting the UAE’s National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031.
“AI is already being functioned in the government institutions. It is seeping through, and we have to follow and conform, no matter how fast we have to do that. We have that time until 2031 to reach that level,” she said.
Launched in 2017, the UAE’s National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031 aims to position the country as a global leader in AI by integrating the technology across key sectors, including education, healthcare, transport, energy and government services. The strategy also focuses on developing AI talent, encouraging research and innovation, and promoting the ethical use of artificial intelligence. The UAE was also among the first countries in the world to appoint a Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, underlining its long term commitment to AI driven growth.
Dr. Al Hawary said many teachers are still learning how to use AI effectively in classrooms.
“We all enjoy the talk of AI, but we don’t know how to really use it to the best of our abilities and to the best of what the students need,” she said.
She added that AI can reduce administrative work, giving teachers more time to support students with different learning needs. However, she pointed out that quality AI training requires significant investment, making it more accessible for schools with larger budgets.
Dr. Al Hawary acknowledged concerns that students could become too dependent on AI.
She said international assessments such as TIMSS, PISA, IGCSE and IELTS continue to play an important role in measuring students’ knowledge and critical thinking.
She explained that these assessments help educators evaluate what students genuinely understand, even as AI tools become more widely used in education.
Drawing on her expertise in emotional intelligence (EI), Dr. Al Hawary said technology should never replace a person’s judgement or values.
She believes emotional intelligence will become increasingly important as AI becomes more common in workplaces and classrooms. Schools, she said, must continue to develop students’ communication skills, self-awareness and ethical decision making alongside digital skills.
Dr. Al Hawary said schools can provide secure digital environments, but parents remain responsible for helping children use AI safely and responsibly.
She added that the UAE is giving equal importance to strengthening family values while expanding AI adoption, ensuring that technological progress is balanced with cultural identity and ethical behaviour.
Reflecting on her own experience, Dr. Al Hawary admitted she initially adopted AI because professional demands made it necessary.
Her advice was to embrace change while staying true to personal values.
“Go with the flow. Don’t be stubborn. Let the change happen. But always remember your value system, your culture, your traditions, who you are. Don’t lose yourself in the midst of all this noise,” she said.
As AI continues to transform education, Dr. Al Hawary said adapting to technology and preserving human values must go hand in hand.
