GEMS Education confirms no extra fees for AI teacher avatar pilot

GEMS Education has confirmed that its upcoming trial of AI-powered "digital twin" teacher avatars will not involve additional fees for families during the initial pilot phase. The UAE’s largest private school operator is currently developing the technology for deployment at the GEMS School of Research & Innovation (SRI) in Dubai. Pilot phase and cost structure Baz Nijjar, senior vice-president for innovation and AI at GEMS Education, stated that students and teachers participating in the proof of concept will access the technology through a controlled school environment. The school will provide access for specific use cases without individual purchase requirements. Any future funding models or extended access would only be considered after the group evaluates the educational value and safety of the implementation. The project, a partnership with AI firm Napster, aims to have a working solution ready before the end of 2026. GEMS officials clarified that the avatars are intended as school-governed, on-demand learning support rather than a replacement for live teachers or a home tuition service. Operational safeguards and teacher control The AI avatars will operate as teacher-authorised interfaces grounded in approved educational resources. Teachers will retain the authority to review, update, or pause the digital twins at any time. The system allows students to interact via video, voice, or text to revisit explanations or receive feedback on tasks outside of standard…