Programming language today represents one of the future tools of young people, particularly those with creative talent and capabilities who can implement innovative ideas and projects through smart Apps. Their technology-centered approach thereby supports building of a competitive economy, based on knowledge, innovation and future technological applications, which contribute to enhancing the community's well-being and welfare

The directive of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, calling for the 29th of October to be adopted as an annual day for celebrating coding, under the theme "The UAE Codes", is a reaffirmation of the country's vision and its efforts, at local and regional levels, to encourage the youth and talented members of the current generation to demonstrate their abilities in coding. It is also a call for them to acquire the relevant coding skills in order to help build their own future and the future of their country. We already note the "One Million Arab Coders" initiative, which has successfully trained one million young Arabs in coding over three years, and the launch of the National Program for Coders to attract and train 100,000 coders, both of which support the growth of a digital economy so as to secure a better life and future for the next generations

The HCT strongly supports and interacts with the UAE leadership's forward-looking initiatives and directions. Empowering the youth with professional skills is an integral part of the HCT's strategy, borne from its philosophy that professional skills have become increasingly competitive with academic degrees. Already, HCT's campuses have enabled 2,712 students to obtain 5,021 certificates in coding, certified by the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence under the 'One Million Arab Coders' initiative. HCT has also collaborated with many entities to facilitate those organizations' employees obtaining these certificates, including the Sharjah Police Science Academy. Through such collaborations, many of those entities' cadres, willing to enhance their coding skills, have obtained certified coding certificates, which open up many opportunities to work more efficiently and creatively. In addition, HCT attaches great importance to supporting projects and establishing technology-based startups since His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum directed the HCT to become a free economic and creative zone under Article 6 of The Fifty-Year Charter, enabling it to graduate companies and entrepreneurs

The HCT contributes to supporting the objectives of the National Program for Coders and all initiatives related to this field, which are designed to encourage young and talented people to create coding-based projects and startups. To that end, HCT has guided many of its students and graduates over the past two years in developing ideas and projects associated with advanced technology. Today, HCT students have successfully established companies that are active in many economic sectors, including e-markets, cybersecurity, agricultural technology, advanced health solutions and automated systems. HCT currently incubates 108 startups, 25 of which have obtained commercial trade licenses and are operating in the market. These businesses depend on the advanced technologies of Artificial Intelligence, Big Data analysis, 3D printing, programming and more

The UAE Codes Day is an event that reflects the national vision of digital transformation and the importance of empowering today's youth with advanced technology skills, for the future. It is consistent with government directions for the next 50 years and its principles, in particular the Seventh Principle which states: "The digital, technical and scientific excellence of the Emirates will define its development and economic frontiers, and the consolidation of its position as a global hub for talent, companies and investments in these sectors will make it a future global leader". Many of the 'Projects of the 50' are particularly focused on coding, including '100 Coders Everyday', 'PyCon Summit' and other initiatives that promote skills, creativity and talents in the coding field

Professor Abdullatif Al Shamsi 

HCT President and CEO