Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, directed the adoption of October 29 of each year as a programming day bearing the slogan “The Emirates is Programming”, which coincides with the launch of the first e-government in the region and the Arab world twenty years ago, on October 29, 2001.
The UAE Programming Day celebrates the most important achievements in the fields of programming and computer science, and successful initiatives in attracting and building a new generation of programmers.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum stressed that programming is a catalyst for economy, innovation and future development, a pillar of technological and scientific excellence, and a bridge to cross into the future.
He said: Twenty years ago, we launched the first e-government in the region, which formed the nucleus of our vision to build the best government in the world, developing the best models and enabling change makers to implement their ideas. We want to consolidate this day in the memory of generations and encourage them to participate in creating the future of the UAE.
He added: Programming Day is an Emirati platform that brings together innovators and programmers and enhances the awareness of society in various groups and ages of our national and international achievements in the fields of computer science and involves them in developing new initiatives. We believe that real change starts with the community and continues in partnership with it to achieve the impossible.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum called on entities and individuals to celebrate distinguished talents and minds in the fields of programming, which over the past years have been able to enhance the work of the government, have had a positive impact on people’s lives, and have contributed to the consolidation of the UAE’s position as a global center for programming and an incubator for innovative and digital companies.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s directive to adopt a programming day is among the steps in support of the objectives of the “National Program for Programmers”, which was announced last July.
The program includes a package of national initiatives to develop talents, experiences and projects in the field of programming. In addition to training and attracting 100,000 programmers, and establishing 1,000 major digital companies within 5 years.
The best programmers in the world are also awarded the Emirates Golden Visa to encourage them to be part of the technological advancement in the region.
As a result, the UAE Codes Day aims to promote future values and skills related to programming and artificial intelligence technology.
It also aims to provide quality opportunities for future generations. It represents an important step in the efforts to attract global skills, provide a scientific platform for programmers, and celebrate their achievements.
It also aims to disseminate knowledge, enhance the exchange of experiences, and upgrade specialized skills in the field of programming.
This initiative translates the future directions of the UAE contained in the document of the ten principles of the new fifty. Which focuses on investing in human capital, developing education, attracting talent, and retaining professionals. And continuous building of skills in addition to working to enhance the digital, technical and scientific excellence of the country. Which contributes to its consolidation as a global capital for the future.
The UAE Programs Day seeks to shed light on the achievements of the UAE in the areas of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. programming and adopting the uses of artificial intelligence technology. In addition to developing programming fields and their practical applications in order to enhance the country’s position as an attractive destination for programmers and empower talent.
The UAE has a proven track record of applying new concepts and adopting initiatives. and innovating solutions, practices and tools that consolidate its digital and technical superiority.
It was among the first to lead the electronic transformation in the region by launching the electronic government on October 29, 2001. Announcing the start of the first phase of transforming the Dubai government, with all its departments and institutions, into a government that relies on information technology to complete transactions.
In 2017, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also launched the “One Million Arab Coders” initiative. This is to equip one million young people with the skills needed to succeed in the twenty-first century.
The initiative aims to provide Arab youth with the necessary tools to build their future. To take the world of programming to another level, in July, Sheikh Mohammed announced a new challenge for graduates of the One Million Arab Coders Program.
Moreover, he announced a grand prize of $1 million to compete for the title of “Best Programmer” in the Arab world. The winners are chosen by a majority vote of the judges. The winners of the competition will be announced at Expo 2020.