In the past few years, Dubai has emerged as a significant player in the global tech scene, home to regional giants like Kitopi which specialises in ride sharing and Careem, focussing on delivery services. In a workshop during August 2023, The Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy organised an event and fostered over 50 Emirati participants, to offer them a chance to develop their skills and make connections with respected experts in the world of coding.
The event included an engaging session titled ‘Fundamental of Establishing a Business and Crafting a Successful Mobile Application which was held in partnership with Astro Labs and aims to successfully contribute to the UAE’s digital vision. The growth is further enhanced by the startup ecosystem that is supported by various initiatives and vibrant accelerators. Additionally, the Dubai Economic Agenda has played a significant role, particularly the tech-friendly ‘D33’. One of the most essential contributing factors to Dubai’s tech prowess is its focus and dedication on developing a highly skilled and talented workforce.
The emirate offers many attractive incentives which include short-term ‘digital nomad’ visas and long-term Golden Visas. These visas entice skilled developers from overseas to relocate for career opportunities and a sunny lifestyle with 0% income tax. Programmes such as the UAE National Program and sister initiatives like UAE codes, have made it possible for Dubai to develop the next generation of coders. The aim of the National Program for coders is to educate 10 000 coders and develop an establishment of 1000 digital startups by the year 2026.
The program is supported by a network of associated initiates that are implemented to promote coding within the industry. These initiatives strategically align with the goals of the national program thus creating a sustainable future for the next generation of coders. Naiyarah Hussain is one of the most notable participants in the booming system of coding and serves as a Developer Advocacy Leader in Dubai. She is recognised by a prestigious 10-year Golden Visa, which highlights the significance of her achievements and contributions as a software developer.
She is currently the coding ambassador at Coders HQ which is just a short distance from the Dubai Future Foundation. Hussain says, “It’s a very low barrier to entry. You can really enter any of them and grow according to your interest.” Coders HQ provides employment and offers support through programs and assessments led by Hussain. This focusses on evaluating the skills level of developers in the UAE and ensures that their skill set is matched with the relevant job opportunities. Currently, HQ assessment can assess approximately 200 different skills relevant to the tech industry.
Hussain explained that the initiatives take place annually on October 29th and last year, there were approximately 88000 participants who were encouraged to write a single line of code. In 2022, ten initiatives were unveiled with the aim to empower 15 000 initiatives in a move to strengthen the nation’s digital workforce. These initiatives were introduced under Coders HQ in collaboration with leading global tech firms in the industry. Coders HQ is accessible to both expatriates and citizens and is designed to create a community of proficient coders thus enhancing job opportunities within the UAE.
Omar Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Remote Work Applications, and Digital Economy stated that the Coders HQ initiatives play an integral role to the UAE’s goal of reaching 100 000 coders by the end of 2022. Highlighting the nation’s long-lived commitment to fostering a powerful digital ecosystem. Dubai continues to have a forward-thinking approach into the future, which extends to the Dubai Future Academy. The Academy provides courses in emerging technologies and ‘futures literacy’ which prepares young people to navigate the future advancements in technology.
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