In its quest to lead the Middle East’s march towards a tech-powered future, the Emirates has opened doors to innovators, cybersecurity experts and firms providing cloud as well as AI services, from all parts of the world. The push has also led to an invitation for coders and tech entrepreneurs to fetch a golden residency passport from the UAE, in exchange for their contribution towards digitisation of its infrastructure.
But the Middle East’s cluster of smart cities also has a long-term strategy, as part of which young local talent is being prepared to achieve excellence in space tech, AI and online services. In UAE’s latest move for strengthening its ranks of budding innovators, the country has found support from Facebook which will train handpicked students to become coders.
The camp open to applicants in their final year at university, will select just 50 highly talented individuals, who will gain access to top-notch knowhow on AI. Apart from training sessions, the students will also be able to interact with the team leading Facebook in the Middle East, along with its international AI researchers.
Experts in the field of smart tech, roped in by Facebook, will also share their knowledge and guidance with emerging Emirati innovators. Beyond the educational experience, students will also be put in touch with recruiters of the social media giant, and can later attend the developers’ day organised by the firm.
This is one of many collaborations between UAE and big tech firms, which the country is using for empowering local researchers as well as digital businesses. Google and Microsoft have also joined hands with Emirati authorities to support existing firms as well as startups with technical know-how and tools, at hubs created in the capital Abu Dhabi.
Similarly this initiative by the country is aiming to facilitate networking between tech ventures in the UAE and international entities, so that global support can strengthen digitisation of local businesses.
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