The Arab Youth Center, in collaboration with Microsoft and the UAE’s Office of AI, is fostering a new generation of regional tech talent through its fourth Arab Youth Tech Fellowship. Held at the Coders HQ in Dubai, the program recently brought together 23 young professionals from eight Arab countries to deepen their expertise in artificial intelligence, focusing on building practical, innovative solutions to strengthen the region’s digital future.
From Theory To Practice With AI Models
The fellowship’s curriculum is designed to move beyond theoretical concepts and into tangible applications. A recent session, led by certified AI trainer Ahmad Hallak, focused on equipping participants with the skills to select the right AI models for specific sectors, utilize advanced data analysis, and navigate Microsoft’s AI certification pathways. Hallak simplified complex AI topics, enabling fellows to apply them directly to their academic, professional, and entrepreneurial projects. The training emphasized how to leverage available AI tools and assess the relevance of information, cutting down on time previously spent on research and testing.
Building A Pan-Arab AI Community
More than just a technical workshop, the fellowship serves as a critical platform for regional knowledge exchange and innovation. Through hands-on exercises and collaborative discussions, participants from diverse backgrounds tested ideas and learned from their peers, creating a strong community of Arab innovators. The program’s design fosters cross-border collaboration, allowing young professionals to gain exposure to new ideas and build a network that can support future projects. Rim Fadaly, a computer engineer from Egypt, noted that the fellowship “broadened my knowledge and enhanced my AI skills by exposing me to practical ideas I can use in future projects.”
Driving Innovation From Research To Enterprise
The impact of the training is already evident in the projects led by the fellows. Khaoula Elmajdouli, a PhD student from Morocco researching hydrogen storage, explained how the program transformed her methodology. “I now have a solid framework to identify the right model for my project. This will accelerate my research and support new academic partnerships,” she said. Similarly, Emad Abbas, a software engineer from Sudan, highlighted the efficiency gains from the program, stating, “A single AI model can now perform hundreds of tasks that once required large teams.” For participants like Saleh Hassan Al-Buraiki from Abu Dhabi Ports Group, the fellowship connected theory to practice in a way that directly supports the UAE’s national innovation goals, helping him create more effective solutions for investor collaboration and institutional performance.
About The Arab Youth Center
The Arab Youth Center (AYC) is a UAE-based initiative that works to empower youth across the Arab world. It aims to create a new model for youth empowerment in the region by launching initiatives, programs, and events that develop talent, nurture creativity, and promote a culture of innovation. The Center provides a platform for young Arabs to connect, learn, and contribute to the development of their communities and the wider region.
Source: Zawya
