Global firms support Dubai’s One Million Arab Coders initiative

Some of the world’s most prominent tech companies have signed partnership agreements with Dubai Future Foundation to support the One Million Arab Coders initiative.

Facebook, Oracle, Microsoft, SAP, Careem, Consensys, Emirates NBD, UDACITY and Barmej.com took part in a signing ceremony with The Dubai Future Foundation in support of the initiative that was launched in October last year by Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The ceremony was attended by the UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence and deputy managing director of DFF HE Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, senior officials of partner companies, the CEO of DFF HE Khalfan Belhoul, and a number of senior executives.

HE Omar bin Sultan Al Olama said: “The One Million Arab Coders initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum reflects our enhanced investment in human capital and is part of our efforts to enable Arab youth to change global perceptions about their reality.

“The Initiative also supports the aspirations of the youth to stay abreast of global technological developments. The international support and strategic partnerships this initiative has attracted highlights its importance and relevance. The initiative is also part of our efforts to prepare the new generation for the future by helping them gain advanced technology skills that allow them to widen their expertise and meet job market requirements.

“We look forward to continuing our One Million Arab Coders journey in partnership with our private sector partners.”

The agreements will see Oracle, Microsoft and SAP provide training opportunities to participants who qualify for advanced rounds of the programme, stated a release by Dubai Media Office. They will also offer an internationally recognised certificate.

Consensys and Coded will provide internship opportunities for participants in the category of trainer, as well as international certification that will mean they can train young people in coding.

Meanwhile, Facebook will provide infrastructure services as well as training and e-marketing, plus support for 100 participants to launch start-up projects.

Microsoft, Careem, and Emirates NBD will provide training and job opportunities for winners of the programme.

The initiative is the largest programme of its kind, aiming to train one million young Arabs in computer programming in order to open up a range of career opportunities for them, and inspire a new generation of leaders in the digital economy.