MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
42 Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital’s tuition-free coding academy, is empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs by equipping students with technical skills and connecting them with real-world mentorship to help turn their innovative ideas into successful ventures.
This week, 42 Abu Dhabi launched its first-ever Entrepreneurship Week, organised in partnership with key players in the UAE’s entrepreneurial ecosystem including the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an, Abu Dhabi School of Management, Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, startAD and Endless Studios.
The event kicked off on Tuesday with a showcase of students’ Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) and sessions on key entrepreneurship topics.
“We’re here to celebrate bold ideas, how they are born nurtured, and transformed into something bigger,” Dr. Ahmed Al Shoaibi, Acting CEO of 42 Abu Dhabi, told Aletihad in an interview on Tuesday.
While Entrepreneurship Week is a new initiative, the spirit of innovation has been at the core of 42 Abu Dhabi since its inception, he noted.
Nurturing an Entrepreneurial Spirit
The academy boasts a disruptive model that rejects traditional classroom lessons in favour of hands-on, project-based learning. With no teachers, no classes and no set curriculum, students at 42 Abu Dhabi are empowered to take control of their educational journey, Dr Al Shoaibi explained.
Candidates wishing to enroll at 42 Abu Dhabu must be at least 18 years old, but no previous coding experience or academic qualifications are required.
“The beauty of our model is that it attracts a diverse range of individuals-people from all walks of life with different backgrounds and experiences, all coming together to learn and create,” Dr Al Shoaibi said.
This diversity enriches the learning process, creating a dynamic, collaborative environment with a blend of unique skills and perspectives, he added.
Dr. Al Shoaibi also pointed out that the peer-to-peer learning model at 42 Abu Dhabi isn’t just about coding.
“What we teach here is how to learn. Our students are learning how to approach problems from different angles, how to fail and pick themselves up, and how to persist despite challenges,” he said.
“This is what mirrors the entrepreneurial journey. Entrepreneurs, like our students, don’t follow a fixed schedule or rigid path. It’s about being adaptable, persistent, and willing to put in the work.”
The peer-to-peer evaluation system at the academy also allows students to learn the art of giving and receiving feedback - an essential skill in the world of start-ups, Dr. Al Shoaibi said.
Leveraging AI to Solve Real Life Problems
With the UAE undergoing a massive digital transformation, the ability to understand and apply coding principles is essential in nearly every industry. “Coding is no longer just an IT skill. It’s a universal language that drives innovation across sectors,” Dr. Al Shoaibi noted.
With a focus on AI-powered platforms, the projects students are presenting during the entrepreneurship week projects span a range of industries, from childhood development to investment and gaming.
“These projects are not just about profit; they aim to solve real problems,” said Dr. Al Shoaibi.
For example, some students are developing solutions to help parents navigate the challenges of child-rearing, while others are building platforms to empower underrepresented communities. The common thread is that they are all driven by a desire to create value for society, he noted.