August 09, 2020 – HBMSU and Emirates Talent Association Celebrate 4th Emirati Programmer Graduation
Under the patronage of H.E. Lt. Gen. Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chairman of Police and General Security in Dubai, Chairman of HBMSU’s Board of Governors, and Chairman of the Emirates Talent Association, HBMSU and Emirates Talent Association celebrated the graduation of the fourth cohort of “Emirati Programmer” participants. The virtual ceremony took place on Saturday, 8 August, via Zoom and marked another milestone in empowering UAE nationals to leverage advanced technologies to shape the country’s future.
Blockchain Certificates Showcase Technological Innovation
The ceremony awarded 100 graduates with certificates via blockchain technology, aligning with the Emirates Blockchain Strategy 2021, which aims to establish the UAE as a global hub for advanced technologies. Graduates demonstrated exceptional skills in programming languages, computational thinking, interactive game and application development, database management, and networking, highlighting their readiness to contribute to the country’s tech ecosystem.
Program Reaches 400 Graduates
With the fourth edition complete, the “Emirati Programmer” program has now graduated 400 participants. The initiative equips Emiratis with skills in coding, AI, and cybersecurity, nurturing innovators ready to drive the UAE’s transition to a knowledge-based economy. The ceremony’s theme, “Towards Advanced Tech Skills,” emphasized the importance of investing in Emirati human capital to support innovation and sustainable growth, aligned with UAE Vision 2021.
H.E. Lt. Gen. Dhahi Khalfan Tamim Highlights Program Impact
H.E. Lt. Gen. Tamim praised the graduates, saying,
“We are proud to see young Emiratis equipped to become experts in coding, AI, and cybersecurity. Their skills are essential in a world defined by rapid technological advancement.”
He added that the program stimulates creativity, excellence, and innovation, transforming national talents into future technology leaders. He noted that the initiative aligns with H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision of one united team working toward a promising future.
Preparing UAE Nationals for Global Competitiveness
Lt. Gen. Tamim emphasized that the program prepares Emiratis to compete internationally. It teaches participants programming, IoT, AI, blockchain, and Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, enabling the UAE to become a global hub for future industries. He highlighted that blockchain-issued certificates demonstrate the country’s commitment to advanced technology adoption and encourage continued investment in human capital—the nation’s most valuable asset.
Dr. Mansoor Al Awar: Building Future Skills
Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, HBMSU Chancellor and Deputy Chairman of the Emirates Talent Association, highlighted the program’s role in developing a highly skilled generation capable of mastering programming languages. He praised the partnership between HBMSU and Emirates Talent Association for accelerating the UAE’s 50-year development vision and preparing graduates to lead innovation and technological advancement on a global stage.
Dr. Al Awar said,
“At HBMSU, we use smart and lifelong learning methods to create a system that nurtures talent and prepares young Emiratis for rapid technological changes.”
Curriculum and Learning Approach
The program trains participants aged 7 to 15 in game design, robotics, AI, coding, and mobile application development using platforms like Ozobot, Kudo, Kano Computer Kit, and MIT App Inventor.
- Ages 7-10 learned Ozobot programming, Kudo coding, and Kano kit basics.
- Ages 11-14 built advanced projects, games, and apps with MIT App Inventor.
The program initially started with hands-on workshops but shifted to virtual learning for safety during the pandemic.
Hackathon Winners Recognized
The graduation also recognized Hackathon winners in Game Development:
- Gold: Omar Abdul Rahman Khalid (Kano Kit, 7–10) & Nasser Ismail Al-Zarouni (MIT App Inventor, 11–15)
- Silver: Fawaghi Abdullah Saeed Al Saadi (7–10) & Manaa Majdi Manaa (11–15)
- Bronze: Abdullah Khalid Abdullah Bouchama (7–10) & Khalid Jamal Ahmed Issa Al Thani (11–15)
Blended Learning Model Drives Success
HBMSU delivers the program using its blended learning model, combining:
- Self-learning (Awareness)
- Direct training (Application)
- Virtual guidance and mentoring (Advising)
This model equips participants to design digital applications, develop games, and use the Cloud Campus platform, while fostering innovation, curiosity, and technical excellence.
Conclusion
The Emirati Programmer program continues to train young UAE nationals in programming, AI, cybersecurity, and digital technologies, empowering them to become innovative leaders and technology pioneers. Through this initiative, HBMSU and Emirates Talent Association strengthen the UAE’s position as a global technology hub and ensure that the next generation of Emiratis is prepared to shape the nation’s future.
