Apple has just launched its training academy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, specifically for women, making it the first branch of the Apple Developer Academy to be launched in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. With backing of the Saudi Ministry of Investment, it operates in partnership with the Saudi Federation For Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), and in collaboration with Tuwaiq Academy and Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University.
An Apple Developer Academy has opened in Saudi Arabia, one aiming to teach over 600 women per year to design software and to program, for a future career as app developers. https://t.co/OH9rBd5zDf pic.twitter.com/a9YvMzZ6d8
— AppleInsider (@appleinsider) February 5, 2022
Here are what programming enthusiasts can expect from the Apple Developer Academy: it aims to provide training in programming and design, marketing, and more, hence covering many aspects of a software engineering company. With Saudi Arabia taking keen interest in future technologies and software development, the academy's launch is seen as an essential part of fulfilling the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals.
The academy welcomed its first batch of female students ranging from the ages of 20 to 35. Over 600 female students are expected to attend annually, which will include 30-day introductory foundation courses, and a 10-month academy program.
“We are excited to welcome the first batch of women in the headquarters of the Apple Developer Academy at Princess Nourah Bint Abdul Rahman University,” Susan Prescott, Apple's vice president of enterprise and education marketing, said in a recent article by Saudi Gazette.
In addition, the director of Apple Developer Academy, Ohood Mohamed Al Nayel, stated that the academy aims to be a leader in training female students in developing for iOS, Apple's mobile operating system. With the Kingdom looking to get more women into the workforce, especially the tech industry, this is seen as crucial in providing much needed skills in software development for Apple hardware. In the near future, we should expect the next big apps by female programmers and entrepreneurs from Saudi Arabia.
In fact, the merits of learning how to code for Apple platforms can't be said enough. Apple Inc. is a California-based multinational tech company known for its line of Macintosh computers, and revolutionizing the mobile industry with the iPhone and iPad. Many of Apple's mobile devices all run on iOS, which is currently one of the world's leading distributors of apps and games via the App Store. This is in addition to Apple Arcade, its gaming subscription service for compatible Apple hardware.
