Building a Future-Ready Developer Workforce in the Middle East
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Chapter 1: The Shift to Knowledge-Based Economies
As countries in the Middle East transition from a reliance on petrochemicals to knowledge-driven economies, enhancing the IT and technology workforce has become increasingly vital. While significant investments in infrastructure and startups often capture the spotlight, numerous initiatives aimed at developing IT skills are gaining momentum, particularly in the realm of coding.
According to Salim Abid, Google's regional head of developer ecosystem in MENA, over 700,000 developers in the region received training from Google in 2021, with women making up 35% of that number. Participants benefited from the expertise of Googlers and Google Developer Experts, who led sessions organized by Google Developer Groups, Women Techmakers communities, and local organizations.
"With the rapid digital transformation experienced in recent years, it's evident that tech skills have become crucial across all sectors of business and the national economy," emphasizes Abid, highlighting the need for competencies in advanced technologies such as machine learning, UX/UI design, and programming.
Section 1.1: Major Corporate Contributions
Other leading tech companies are also taking part in this movement. In February, Apple inaugurated its first all-female Developer Academy in Riyadh, while Microsoft played a significant role in the UAE's One Million Arab Coders initiative, which concluded last year.
Subsection 1.1.1: Community Building Initiatives
Additionally, IBM, Cisco, Meta, and other prominent Silicon Valley firms are backing Coders HQ, a UAE-led project aimed at fostering a coding community within the country. This initiative follows a 2021 announcement that the Emirate would offer Golden Visas to 100,000 top-tier coders from around the globe.
Section 1.2: Grassroots Efforts
Chapter 2: The Future of Coding
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