Qatar education summit warns of AI readiness gap in schools
Experts highlight teacher training shortages, policy gaps, and uneven AI integration across classrooms despite rapid adoption of generative technologies
DOHA, Qatar (MNTV) — An education discussion in Doha has highlighted both the opportunities and challenges of integrating artificial intelligence into classrooms, with experts warning that schools are adopting AI faster than policies and teacher training can keep up.
The session, held under the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), a global initiative of Qatar Foundation, brought together education officials, researchers, teachers and policymakers to assess how AI is reshaping pre-university learning systems.
WISE Director of Research Selma Talha Jebril said generative AI tools are being introduced into education at a pace that exceeds the development of regulatory frameworks and institutional preparedness.
She noted that while many educators are open to using AI in teaching, they often lack adequate training and structured support, framing the issue as a systemic gap rather than reluctance among teachers.
Jebril said WISE, in collaboration with Qatar’s Ministry of Education and international institutions, surveyed about 550 teachers in Qatar and 3,000 educators globally to study AI adoption in schools.
The findings showed that 60 percent of teachers reported AI tools help personalize learning for students, but only 30 percent of teachers in Qatar said they fully understand how these technologies operate, despite strong national digital infrastructure.
The research also identified linguistic and technical barriers, particularly the limited availability of Arabic-language AI tools and their compatibility with existing curricula.
Officials said the results were compiled into a WISE policy brief aimed at supporting education policymakers in strengthening teacher preparedness and AI integration strategies.
Aisha Al Emadi from Qatar’s Ministry of Education and Higher Education said the country is well positioned for AI adoption due to its digital infrastructure, but stressed that effective implementation depends on training, institutional support and clear policy direction.
She added that future efforts must focus on developing stronger regulatory frameworks, ethical guidelines and sustained investment in teacher development to ensure safe and effective use of AI in schools.
Mehdi Benchaabane, Vice-President of Pre-University Education at Qatar Foundation, said schools under the foundation have been working on an AI integration framework since 2022.
He said the approach emphasizes responsible use of AI by students, alongside awareness of risks linked to overreliance on automated systems.
Benchaabane added that Qatar Academy Doha has already implemented structured AI programs, including teacher training and curriculum adaptation, while carefully evaluating the impact of AI tools before widespread adoption, especially in student assessment.
The summit also featured panel discussions on establishing AI standards in education, with participants emphasizing the need to balance technological innovation with critical thinking and human-centered learning.
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