November 2025: Middle East Educators Focus on Inclusion, AI, and Student-Centred Learning

Schools across the Middle East are adapting to rapid change. They’re navigating shifts in curriculum design and leadership as learning environments continue to become increasingly technology-rich. Here are a few recent articles that provide insight into how educators in the region are rethinking what success looks like and how they can foster it in their schools.

Teach Middle East: Rethinking School for the Students Who Don’t Fit [Podcast]

Hugh Viney reflects on how schools can better support learners who struggle with traditional structures. The conversation focuses on belonging, flexible pathways, and student agency, with an emphasis on helping students re-engage at a pace that feels manageable to them. The discussion also addresses a broader regional movement: schools are creating space for varied learner needs, rather than requiring every student to conform to a single approach.

Education Middle East: How GCC Schools Are Approaching AI in Education [Feature]

Schools and universities across the GCC are approaching AI use intentionally, prioritising ethics, data protection, and staff readiness. Rather than sweeping transformation, many are starting with smaller, more practical approaches. This piece explains why thoughtful implementation is more important than speed, and that educators play a central role in how AI is ultimately used in the classroom.

Education Middle East: UAE Public Schools to Teach AI from KG to Grade 12 [Policy]

The UAE’s introduction of AI literacy across all grade levels signals a long-term commitment to helping students understand how digital systems work and how they can use them responsibly. In turn, schools need to look closely at how their instructional materials, assessment strategies and teacher development will continue to adapt to the evolving digital learning environments.

Edarabia: Cultivating Student-Centred Learning Environments [Interview]

Principal Ian Ward shares insight on how student-centred learning starts with trust, collaboration, and shared purpose. When teachers feel supported and have opportunities to reflect on their practice, students find lessons to be more engaging. Learning culture, therefore, is a key factor in delivering effective student-centred learning and also in bringing about positive outcomes. 

Teach Middle East: Building Classrooms Where Every Student Belongs [Podcast]

Dr Salma Waly discusses practices that help students feel valued, included, and part of the classroom community, with technology serving as a supportive layer rather than the centrepiece. The episode underscores the importance of representation and open communication, particularly in multilingual and culturally diverse settings.