The UAE has unveiled ‘AI for Kids,’ a new initiative to build new generation of coders from school students by introducing them to coding languages.
Launched by Coders HQ, in partnership with Dell Technologies, that initiative will provide students with the basics of artificial intelligence (AI) to hone their analytical and logical skills.
‘AI for Kids’ seeks to attract 1,000 male and female students from various schools in the UAE and encourage them to join this field and enhance their coding and technological skills.
The initiative focuses on building students’ capabilities and preparing them to build a digital future by empowering them with the necessary tools and expertise and developing their skills using methodologies suitable for their ages. It guides them to design innovative solutions to challenges and enhances their knowledge by communicating with experts and specialists in various AI fields.
Additionally, ‘AI for Kids’ is in line with UAE’s efforts to maintain its position as a global hub for coding and the digital economy.
Students will participate in a training programme, availed in both Arabic and English, with the option to take live online lessons or follow a self-paced training plan.
According to Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, the National Programme for Coders, launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, is an incubating environment for digital talents and innovative coders.
He added that the programme helps digital talents to develop their skills and prepares a new generation capable of developing the best solutions to challenges and building a flourishing digital knowledge-based economy.
Al Olama also reiterated that the National Programme for Coders promotes partnerships with leading hi-tech companies to establish digital societies that adopt technological and coding solutions.
Walid Yehia, General Manager – UAE, Dell Technologies, said, “In today’s digital world, code is everywhere as technology continues to evolve. These shifts are driving significant change in the jobs of the future, where it has been estimated in a study from Dell Technologies, that 85 percent of jobs that will exist in 2030 have not been invented yet. To participate in this tech-driven future, coding has become an essential skill that children need to develop.”
He added that Dell Technologies aims to harness the power of technology to drive human progress and the ‘National Programme for Coders’ initiative will be instrumental in creating a new generation of programmers and coders.
“Dell Technologies and the National Programme for Coders launched the ‘UAE AI for Kids’ training programme in line with this initiative. Our goal is to build an ecosystem of future coders who can be part of tomorrow’s digital workforce,” he said.
The ‘AI for Kids’ initiative will conclude its activities with a competition, where Coders HQ and Dell Technologies will select three winners for their outstanding performance and active participation over the course of the programme.
