Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Education, embarked on a three-day visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with a strong focus on bolstering educational partnerships and fostering collaborative efforts between India and the UAE. This visit entailed a comprehensive itinerary aimed at promoting academic and cultural ties.
Minister Pradhan's journey kicked off with a visit to 42 Abu Dhabi, a groundbreaking coding school recognized as the first of its kind in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). 42 Abu Dhabi has revolutionized conventional educational models by adopting an innovative approach to prepare students for the future workforce in the UAE. The school places a significant emphasis on cutting-edge coding and technology skills, aligning with the UAE's vision for innovation and technological progress.
42 Abu Dhabi, a unique coding school in the GCC with no traditional classes, places innovation at the forefront of its groundbreaking program, which centers around peer-to-peer learning. By making coding education accessible to individuals from all walks of life, the school actively contributes to Abu Dhabi's vision of a tech-enabled future, where the emirate plays a pivotal role in addressing global challenges. This program aligns with the UAE-France strategic partnership and forms part of the Ghadan 21 accelerator program, which seeks to expedite the emirate's economic transformation through investments in the economy, knowledge, and the community. This initiative supports businesses, fosters innovation, and empowers people, as it is a collaborative effort involving the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK). By ensuring coding education is accessible and inclusive, 42 Abu Dhabi aims to cultivate future-proof talent that will drive the development of the UAE's digital economy into a technological juggernaut, positioning the nation at the forefront of modern innovation across various industries. Becoming a part of the 42 Global Network of schools is a mark of distinction for Abu Dhabi and the UAE. In line with the broader 42 vision and in accordance with the strategic UAE-France partnership, 42 Abu Dhabi is actively shaping the nation's tech-enabled future.
Following the tour of 42 Abu Dhabi, Minister Pradhan engaged in a meaningful interaction with students at the Abu Dhabi Indian School and the faculty at India House. The session was enriched by insightful discussions on education, innovation, and the potential for closer collaboration in the academic sphere between India and the UAE.
Vinod Kumar (UAE)
