This research is motivated by the increasing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in transforming the world of education, which brings challenges as well as opportunities for educators to improve the quality of learning. This research aims to: (1) determine the improvement of the competence of Islamic Religious Education Teachers (PAI) in Labuhanbatu through the application of an AI-based adaptive learning system, (2) evaluate the effectiveness of the system in improving the competence of PAI teachers, and (3) identify obstacles, challenges and solutions in its implementation. This research method was carried out using a mixed-method technique using a Sequential Exploratory design, which combines qualitative data collection through interviews, observations, documentation, and Focus Group Discussions (FGD), with quantitative data through pre-test and post-test, satisfaction surveys, and statistical analysis. The study involved 50 PAI teachers at the junior high school level in Labuhanbatu with a saturated sample technique. The results showed that AI-based adaptive learning had a significant positive influence on teachers' pedagogic competence, with a correlation coefficient of 0.794 and an effectiveness level of 69% (R² = 0.69, p 0.05). The integration of AI technology through structured workshops has been proven to strengthen the capacity of PAI teachers in designing innovative and responsive learning strategies. However, its implementation still faces obstacles in the form of limited technological infrastructure, unstable internet access, and low digital literacy, which can be overcome through infrastructure strengthening, tiered training, and the formation of technology-based teacher learning communities. The conclusion of this study is that AI-based adaptive learning has a positive impact on the pedagogic competence of PAI teachers in Labuhanbatu, in addition to that this learning is effective in PAI learning in Labuhanbatu, but the obstacle in this learning is the limitation of technological infrastructure in the region.