Advanced Technology Research Council launches coding initiatives to empower Abu Dhabi’s youth

The Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), Abu Dhabi’s leading entity mandated to shape an advanced technology research and development ecosystem and foster talent, has launched two initiatives to promote coding within Abu Dhabi’s schools as the world celebrates the inaugural International Day of Coding.

To achieve sustained outcomes in education, ATRC has been conducting training sessions with teachers, empowering Abu Dhabi schools with cutting-edge tools and innovative activities to enhance students’ learning experience. One such tool is ImagiCharm, a wearable device designed to introduce coding and creativity to young users. ATRC has equipped 22 schools with ImagiCharm, training 40 teachers and targeting 1,000 students to learn Python for the academic year 2024-25, with plans to expand this reach to 3,000 students.

Additionally, ATRC is delivering a gamified coding activity called Hour of Code in 10 public and private schools across Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Using the popular video game Minecraft, this activity will equip over 1,000 students in grades 6 to 12 with Python coding skills. The initiative includes training more than 15 UAE teachers to use innovative teaching methodologies, aligning with the latest global trends in education.

These projects aim to introduce students to STEM subjects in an engaging and interactive way by offering hands-on activities and advanced educational resources.

In 2023, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, proposed to UNESCO that the UAE Codes campaign be expanded globally, establishing October 29 as the International Day of Coding. The proposal was successfully approved, and the date continues to be celebrated through the UAE Codes campaign, organised by the UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications.

Shahab Issa Abu Shahab, Director-General of ATRC, said, “The celebration of the International Day of Coding aligns seamlessly with our aspirations to help propel the UAE as a global hub for innovation and digital transformation. These initiatives reflect ATRC’s commitment to empowering educators and the next generation with essential coding skills. It also demonstrates our belief in a future workforce that will drive the UAE in the digital economy and exemplifies our leadership’s vision to reach the highest educational standards, which are essential for building a strong and competitive knowledge-based economy.”