Dubai’s EdTech boom is a convergence of technology, innovation, and governmental endorsement. As the city continues to foster an ecosystem conducive to educational advancement, the trajectory of its EdTech industry points towards a future defined by limitless digital possibilities.
The realm of education is undergoing a profound evolution as technology sweeps through classrooms and campuses, redefining the learning landscape. Educational technology, or EdTech, has emerged as a key catalyst, driving innovative teaching methods through online platforms and smart applications. Nowhere is this revolution more evident than in Dubai, home to more than 200 nationalities, where EdTech is reshaping the future of education.
The leaders of EdTech companies based in Dubai are enthusiastic about the flourishing EdTech ecosystem in the emirate. They highlight how this dynamic sector is experiencing remarkable growth, propelled by a combination of innovation and favorable government policies.
At the forefront of Dubai’s EdTech revolution stands iCodejr, the GCC’s largest online coding academy for school students. CEO and Co-founder, Hannan Moti, elaborates on the trend, highlighting iCodejr’s pioneering role in introducing Web 3 programs aimed at equipping students with cutting-edge skills.
“At iCodejr, we focus on coding and robotics for the K-12 space. Our programs are specifically crafted to upskill students from KG to Grade 13, to fill the gaps some schools have in their coding curriculum. iCodejr’s graduates are able to compete at a global scale with students from countries like the US & Canada, and via our hackathon platform Code Battle, they get to showcase their skillsets,” says Moti.
According to Moti, what sets iCodejr apart from similar EdTech platforms is its deep connection to the UAE. “Unlike other EdTech platforms in a similar space, we are born, bred, and licensed in the UAE, and offer our programs in English & Arabic, with multi-lingual faculty; our aim is to cater to the underserved Arabic-speaking population.”
Moti underscores Dubai’s role as a crossroads of cultures, necessitating a flexible approach to education. The institution’s meticulously curated curriculum draws from the expertise of institutions such as MIT, Harvard, Google, and Facebook.?
This commitment to excellence is complemented by accessible pricing, democratising access to a world-class education. To enhance student engagement, iCodejr employs gamification strategies and hackathon initiatives like Code Battle, providing students with a platform for friendly competition and skill showcases.
“We are grateful to be in a country where the leadership is inclined to promote STEM among its youth; our missions are completely aligned. As such, we often work in sync with government initiatives such as UAE Innovation Month, and tech ecosystems like Dtec, 42 Abu Dhabi & Sheraa to further the STEM agenda,” he adds.
STEM is an approach to learning and development that integrates the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Through STEM, students can develop key skills including problem-solving and creativity.
Imbesat Ahmad, co-founder of Filo, the world’s only live instant tutoring platform, also underscores the growth trajectory of the EdTech industry in Dubai. He says, “EdTech companies have witnessed extraordinary expansion. In a span of just a few years, the market size of the EdTech sector (in Dubai) has grown exponentially, increasing almost fivefold from 10 million to over 50 million by 2021.
“This growth rate continues to surge at an annual rate of more than 100%. Dubai’s appeal lies in its multicultural nature, serving as a melting pot of around 50 different nationalities. Conducting business in Dubai essentially translates to serving a diverse array of people.”
Filo, the innovative platform founded by Ahmad, connects students with expert tutors in under 60 seconds for interactive video sessions, offering instant and personalised assistance in their studies.
Dubai’s EdTech boom is a convergence of technology, innovation, and governmental endorsement. The city’s unwavering commitment to promoting STEM education aligns seamlessly with the missions of EdTech frontrunners like iCodejr and Filo. As Dubai continues to foster an ecosystem conducive to educational advancement, the trajectory of its EdTech industry points towards a future defined by limitless digital possibilities.