Abu Dhabi’s Coding School Transforms Lives Globally Through Free Education

42 Abu Dhabi, the capital's premier coding school, is making strides in supporting the Emirate's digital transformation by offering a unique, free-of-charge learning model. This initiative not only benefits Emirati and expatriate coders but also extends its reach to students from economically challenged communities around the globe. Marcos Muller Habig, the Acting CEO of the school, shared insights with the Emirates News Agency (WAM) about the profound impact coding can have on individuals and entire communities.

According to Habig, students from 35 different countries, some of whom have faced economic hardships and conflicts, have moved to Abu Dhabi to seize this opportunity. A notable aspect of this initiative is its ability to empower students to secure employment in Abu Dhabi, thereby enabling them to contribute positively to their home communities. The school's mission is centered around creating a global community of coders who can work remotely, thus supporting their families and making a significant difference in their communities.

The coding school employs a peer-to-peer, gamified learning approach that allows individuals without prior coding experience or academic qualifications to access quality education and remote work opportunities. This innovative methodology has been supported by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) since its inception in 2020.

Habig also addressed the topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI), emphasizing that despite technological advancements, the demand for skilled coders remains robust. He argued that AI would not replace competent coders but instead create more opportunities within the field.

The admission process at 42 Abu Dhabi is designed to select individuals who demonstrate commitment and perseverance. Currently, the school boasts 761 students, with a significant portion being newcomers to coding or those transitioning from different careers. Habig highlighted that students who complete the school’s comprehensive program are eligible for a Diploma in software development recognized by the National Qualification Centre (NQC).

With an impressive internship placement rate of 96%, the school anticipates graduating 140 students by year-end. Partnerships with industry giants and government entities ensure that the curriculum remains relevant to real-world demands.

Furthermore, 42 Abu Dhabi is fostering entrepreneurship among its students by mentoring six student-led projects with startup potential. This initiative aligns with the UAE's goal of nurturing a vibrant startup ecosystem. Habig also mentioned the school's role in complementing higher education, with some students pursuing advanced degrees at prestigious institutions like Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI).

The school is set to offer four intakes this year, inviting aspiring coders to partake in its transformative program. For those interested in the gamified entry test, Habig advises resting well beforehand and demonstrating perseverance throughout the process.

With inputs from WAM