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Return to Education in the 1990s: Mirdif City Centre Offers Schooling for UAE Residents

Interactive exhibit allows users to write on chalkboards and watch cartoons with recurring glitches, set to end on August 31.

Return to educational institutions in 1990s setting at Mirdif City Centre for UAE residents
Return to educational institutions in 1990s setting at Mirdif City Centre for UAE residents

Return to Education in the 1990s: Mirdif City Centre Offers Schooling for UAE Residents

In the heart of Dubai, a unique exhibition at City Centre Mirdif invites visitors to take a step back in time and experience the classroom life of the 1990s. Organised by the Siemens Foundation and Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), the exhibition offers an immersive journey into the past, showcasing wooden desks, old video recorders, and the iconic chalkboard that once ruled the classrooms.

Visitors can write on the chalkboard, watch old cartoons, and reminisce about the boxy computers from the 1990s. This interactive exhibit provides an opportunity to compare and contrast the learning tools of yesteryears with the high-tech classrooms of today.

A significant leap forward in education was announced in the UAE, making it one of the first countries in the world to embed AI education at every stage of a student's learning journey. Starting from Kindergarten and continuing through Grade 12, AI was introduced as a formal subject in public schools across the UAE in the 2025-26 academic year.

The introduction of AI education marks a significant shift in the educational landscape, with smartboards replacing the traditional chalkboard and ushering in a new era of interactive, technology-driven learning. This transformation allows teachers to display educational videos, present power points, and administer online quizzes, enhancing the learning experience for students.

Poojaraj Maniyeri, a Digital Journalist and bookworm, captures the essence of these transformations, turning everyday conversations into compelling news stories. As parents and children explore the 1990s classroom experience exhibition, they can't help but marvel at the stark contrast between the past and the present, and the exciting future that lies ahead in the realm of AI education.

The exhibition runs until August 31, offering a unique opportunity to witness the evolution of education in the UAE. As we step into the future, it's fascinating to look back and appreciate the journey that has brought us here.

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