Building AI Literacy in Educational Leadership Programs

As artificial intelligence transforms how schools operate, from instruction and assessment to data governance, educational leaders must make informed, ethical, and strategic decisions about AI integration. Yet, most leadership programs in the Middle East and beyond remain underprepared. This chapter outlines a blueprint for embedding AI literacy into educational leadership curricula, focusing on principal and superintendent training in the Gulf and wider region. It identifies key domains such as algorithmic thinking, ethical AI, data interpretation, digital equity, and policy navigation. Practical models for integrating these components into graduate and professional programs are discussed, along with faculty readiness and resource challenges. By positioning AI literacy as a core leadership competency, the chapter promotes future-ready, equity-driven, and culturally responsive digital transformation in Middle Eastern education.