The "One Million Arab Coders" project launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, as part of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, is a visionary initiative aimed at keeping the country and the region well equipped to face the technological challenges of the future.

"At a time when the world is increasingly embracing digital economy, the timing sounds perfect," said The Gulf Today in an editorial on Wednesday.

It should be noted that the project would provide unparalleled training opportunities for free to young people in the region. The initiative will not only equip young Arabs with the tools to build their future, starting with fluency in coding and programming, but also provide Arabs with employment opportunities and empower them with the skills needed to contribute to the development of the digital economy.

As Sheikh Mohammed himself outlined, coding is the language of the modern era. Coding will create many job opportunities for young people. It will pave the way for them to participate in the global economy online, from home.

The paper continued, "The country has been relentlessly keeping pace with global developments and never tires of springing surprises with amazing achievements in varied fields."

"In March, the UAE Centennial Plan 2071 was launched to make the UAE the best country in the world. The plan has multiple goals: to strengthen the country’s reputation and soft power, ensure that government revenue is diversified, relying less on oil, introduce education programmes focused on advanced information technology and engineering; and consistently build Emirati values and ethics for future generations.

"The digital transformation of all aspects of life in the UAE sends a positive feeling.

"The 'One Million Arab Coders' initiative is especially relevant because studies have revealed that half the Arab population is under 25 years old, and that 39 percent aspire to establish their own businesses over the next five years.

"Unfortunately, unemployment rates among capable and ambitious young Arabs is up to 28 per cent, which is one of the highest in the world. The project is well poised to address this serious challenge.

"The proposed incentives of over $1 million as award to top students and tutors will also prove to be a hugely motivating factor. As the noble idea of the project is to empower Arabs with the language of the future, aspiring youngsters should not miss this golden opportunity," the Sharjah-based newspaper concluded.