42 Abu Dhabi celebrates graduation of tech trailblazers

The first batch of students have graduated from the coding school 42 Abu Dhabi, introducing a new wave of digital talent into the UAE workforce.

Graduates have already secured key roles in key government and private entities, while many have launched start-ups and pioneered new technologies in sectors spanning healthcare, recruitment and tourism.

The tuition-free coding school was founded in 2020 by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) to support the emirate's economic growth and ambitions in the tech space.

Students undergo rigorous training in coding fundamentals followed by internships, with opportunities to specialize further.

Several graduates of 42 Abu Dhabi, known for its peer-to-peer and gamified learning methodology, landed roles in entities which are part of the school’s network of partners, and were presented with certificates of employment during the graduation ceremony.

These entities include the Department of Government Enablement – Abu Dhabi, Department of Energy – Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Police, Mubadala, Abu Dhabi Gaming, Thales Group, Anxinsec (AB) Technology, Beacon Red, Electra Abu Dhabi, the National Consulting Office for Engineering, KIEF Consultancy & Technology, Hub71, ADCB, and MiZa.

"42 Abu Dhabi’s inclusive environment has opened doors to people from all walks of life to learn coding and transform their career paths. Being part of this unique innovative education model has changed these students’ lives and provided them with unique career opportunities," said Sara Awad Issa Musallam, Minister of State for Early Education, Chairperson of the Federal Agency of Early Education, and Chairperson of ADEK.

.@42AbuDhabi, an initiative of @ADEK_tweet, has hosted the graduation of its first student cohort who completed a coding programme. The students also secured roles in government and private entities in the UAE, shaping the next generation of #AbuDhabi’s digital leaders. pic.twitter.com/VHeEt8XpBR

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) July 12, 2024