The UAE government has launched a new programme (Coders HQ) that aims to develop the nation’s coder ecosystem, as the Gulf country positions itself as a global hub for innovation.

The project is held by the National Programme for Coders in the presence of Omar Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications. It aims to nurture a new generation of coders, which would allow them to design innovative solutions addressing diverse challenges.

The initiative is part of the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid  (Vice President and Ruler of Dubai) and launched in partnership with more than 40 companies, including Microsoft, Facebook parent Meta Platforms, IBM and Dell Technologies. Saleh Alhashmi, commercial and in-country value director at Adnoc, noted:

“The National Programme for Coders is a key initiative for shaping the future and the new, fast-growing digital economy. Development within the areas of science, technology, and innovation plays a vital part in Adnoc’s ability to solve challenges related to AI, Big Data and blockchain. Working with talented coders will help us accelerate our transformation through new technologies and ensure further growth for the UAE.”

The UAE launched the National Programme for Coders July 2021 in collaboration with technology bigwigs including Google, Amazon and Microsoft, in a bid to bolster coding skills, particularly among young people.

It aims to train 100,000 coders, and establish 1,000 technology companies that will go global and increase start-up investments from Dh1.5 billion to Dh4bn, Sheikh Mohammed said at the time. Dr Saleh Alhashmi, commercial and in-country value director at Adnoc, noted:

“The National Programme for Coders is a key initiative for shaping the future and the new, fast-growing digital economy. Working with talented coders will help us accelerate our transformation through new technologies and ensure further growth for the UAE”

Last August, as part of the programme, 50 university students were chosen from the UAE to attend a coding summer school with social media company Facebook.

Mr Al Olama said that the launch of Coders HQ will form the foundation of developing advanced coding communities, which will play a key role in shaping the future and harnessing the new, fast-growing digital economy.