Towards an innovative computer science & technology curriculum in UAE public schools system

The new global economy has a great potential to shift economic power on a massive level resulting in a new and growing digital divide in the world. Over the past few decades, computers have transformed both the world and the workforce in many profound ways. As a result, computer science and associated technologies now lie at the heart of smart economies worldwide. Many reports around the world state that failure to teach Computer Science and associated technologies in the Digital Age will be disastrous. This paper summarizes the recently developed comprehensive standards and performance criteria for K-12 computer science and technology education designed to strengthen computer science fluency and competency throughout primary and secondary Schools in UAE. The paper presents a comprehensive overview of the up-to-date trends in computer science education worldwide and then demonstrates the adaptation of such practices to the design of a fully customized standards document that fit UAE culture and vision regarding transformation to knowledge based economy, innovation, and entrepreneurship.