Here’s why coding is a biggest game changer for digital innovation

A lot is occurring in technology disruption, from smart and connected gadgets to AI-powered apps, and more is predicted in the coming years. As a result, many new employment opportunities are being created, and many current job profiles are being re-defined. This is where computer programming, or coding, becomes a critical talent for people looking for the most significant job opportunities or improving their current skills and abilities.

Coding is a game-changer, and currently, it is recognised as a necessary skill and a competitive advantage for a wide range of professional roles. Undoubtedly one of the most important talents to master for current and future generations, coding and programming help young students develop problem-solving abilities, such as solving an issue rationally and creatively.

The UAE has launched initiatives under the ‘Project of the 50’ aiming to attract 100 of the world’s best coders to the country – every day.

In 2017, Sheikh Mohammed launched the One Million Arab Coders to teach one million young people from the Arab world how to code. As part of the initiative, the selected candidates were taught various coding skills and applied them in website and mobile application development, blockchain, artificial intelligence, data, and cloud computing.

Since its launch, the initiative has awarded over 1,000 nano degree certificates to distinguished coders. In addition, more than 3,600 certified trainers from around the world helped the participants with the technical aspects and provided support in converting their ideas into practical projects. The initiative, led by the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) and within the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) framework, achieved its goal in three years.

Sheikh Mohammed also recently launched the National Programme for Coders in partnership with global tech giants, including Google, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, LinkedIn, and Facebook. The scheme seeks to train 100,000 coders, establish 1,000 digital companies that will go global, and increase start-up investments from Dhs1.5bn to Dhs4bn.

The private sectors are also not far behind. Recently, Majid Al Futtaim announced a coding programme designed specifically for women, the private sector’s first of its kind for the region.

In line with these visions, GITEX Global, the largest IT exhibition of the year, has introduced CodeInfinity – the region’s first and only developer event to empower young programmers. Microsoft, Oracle and Red Hat have joined as the founding partners. Interested candidates can register for the Microsoft, and Red Hat certified training courses and Oracle’s hands-on labs.

Oracle’s cloud platform, OCI, with race data, is a no-stress, beginner-friendly environment. Candidates can use an open-source machine learning stack and different Oracle Cloud platforms to prototype predictive algorithms. These models are developed with data from past races and can be used in production or reused in video game technology.

A major global tech event set to be held from October 17-21 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, GITEX Global will see technology and business leaders from across the globe gather to develop growth strategies for the future.

Read: GITEX Future Stars: Meet the innovative startups from UAE, Italy and South Korea