Microsoft and the Dubai Future Foundation partner to build cloud skills in Arab youth

Cloud is the new normal. Almost 80 percent of businesses are deploying cloud technology globally, and the International Data Corporation (IDC) estimates that cloud spending will exceed $500 billion by 2020. According to other research by IDC and Microsoft, cloud computing could potentially generate more than 14 million jobs across the globe in the next three years.

However, there is a large shortage of skilled job candidates to fill the growing number of cloud jobs, and the Middle East is no exception.

The Middle East needs to tackle the challenges of an increasingly digital future, and a core part of these challenges is addressing the cloud skills gap among the youth.

Partnering to provide digital learning

Microsoft has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Dubai Future Foundation to support the One Million Arab Coders initiative in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The initiative was launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. It offers free high-quality online courses and certifications to Arab youth.

Microsoft has committed to providing digital learning content through its Cloud Society programme to the initiative.

Supporting the region’s aspiring cloud specialists

The Microsoft Cloud Society programme identifies and engages with passionate and influential cloud computing experts from the industry, offering training and certification. The programme supports the region’s aspiring cloud computing specialists to become world-class experts in the field.

As part of the Cloud Society programme, the Arab Coders website will now include additional content* consisting of five cloud-focused courses for getting up to speed with Microsoft cloud technologies, particularly Azure, Microsoft’s cloud computing services.

Microsoft provides free digital certificates to those who successfully complete the programme, as well as the opportunity to apply for a two-month internship at the company. In addition, the Dubai Future Foundation will select 100 of the successful candidates to participate in the next level of training conducted by a Microsoft partner**.

Building a future-proof workforce

Microsoft constantly partners with like-minded organisations and initiatives to prepare youth for their future. The One Million Arab Coders initiative is a perfect fit for the company, training young people to harness the power of the intelligent cloud. By doing this, it is possible to build a future-proof workforce and accelerate innovation, economic competitiveness and smart initiatives.

To find out more or to sign up for the Cloud Society programme, click here.

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