RAK Academy and the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research team up for discounted coding boot camps

June 25 2019, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates:  Ras Al Khaimah is ensuring its young people and professionals are up to speed with the latest developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) by launching discounted summer boot camps. 

RAK Academy, in cooperation with the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, has recently launched RAK-a-CODE, which aims to improve people’s knowledge and expertise in Computer Science, Machine Learning and AI. Sponsored by RAK Economic Zone (RAKEZ), this initiative is in line with the UAE Governments goal of adopting AI and its uses in various key strategic sectors. AI is expected to become a US$300 billion (AED1.1 trillion) global industry by 2026, with growth of more than 35% over the next several years. Identifying its importance, Ras Al Khaimah Government is starting multiple initiatives to improve knowledge and expertise in A. and enabling technologies, such as Data Science, Machine Learning and Computer Science. 

RAK-a-CODE is offering two boot camps in Machine Learning this summer. One is open to students of secondary schools and of higher education institutions, while the other is for working professionals from anywhere in the UAE who aspire to become an Artificial Intelligence expert. The “Foundations of Machine Learning” boot camps will each run for two weeks and will enable participants to solve real-life business problems using state-of-the-art tools and technologies. These courses are based on Python programming language, which is the most popular language in Machine Learning. 

Course leader Dr. Rashed Iqbal, Chief Technology Officer at Ras Al Khaimah’s Investment and Development Office, said: “We may not realize it but AI has already infused in our lives. While getting prompts upon typing a memo, translating text, or using Google Maps to navigate, we are using AI. Automation complemented with AI will render some traditional jobs obsolete so it is critical that everyone, particularly young people, gain expertise in this domain to remain relevant in the job markets and to be a useful member of society.” 

The RAK-a-CODE boot camps would normally carry a price tag of AED6,200 but RAKEZ’s sponsorship has reduced the cost to participants to AED2,425.  
For more information and to apply, please visit www.rakacode.com. The deadline for applications has been extended to 4th July. 

After the summer break, RAK Academy also plans to launch the “Girls in Tech” initiative, which will see female students learn about Computer Programming, and AI, in an effort to dispel myths about technology careers being only for males. This will also involve female role models coming to the school to give talks to the participants.