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CODED Academy launches the fifth edition of ‘Kuwait Codes’ initiative

Published

3 months ago

March 26, 2025

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KUWAIT: CODED Academy, the first programming academy in the Middle East, is pleased to announce the launch of the fifth edition of the “Kuwait Codes” initiative for 2025. This initiative aims to empower high school and ninth-grade students in Kuwait with programming and technology skills, in strategic partnership with Alghanim Industries, Kuwait Finance House, Zain, Agility, and Kuwait University — hosted by the College of Life Sciences.

Additionally, exclusive advertising sponsorship from Add Effect and exclusive media sponsorship from Kuwait Times and Kuwait News. In its fifth edition, “Kuwait Codes” continues its mission to equip students with essential foundations in modern programming languages and highly-demanded technological fields, including mobile app development, web development, cybersecurity, Python programming and more.

This education is provided entirely free of charge, reflecting CODED Academy’s commitment to supporting young national talent with practical tools that enhance their competitiveness in local and international job markets. Aligned with Kuwait Vision 2035, which seeks to position Kuwait as a leader in technology, this initiative provides students with opportunities to explore cutting-edge digital tools and participate in projects aligned with global advancements in innovation and technology.

Students will also engage in practical training programs and hands-on workshops that reinforce creativity and problem-solving skills effectively. Over the past four editions, “Kuwait Codes” has successfully trained over 3,600 students, enabling them to create innovative digital projects and build a vibrant community of young tech enthusiasts who exchange knowledge and experiences.

Strengthening partnerships

CODED Academy remains dedicated to expanding the reach of this initiative and strengthening partnerships with both public and private sectors, aiming to prepare generations capable of developing innovative solutions that drive economic growth and reinforce Kuwait’s position as a regional center for innovation and technology. In his statement at the press conference announcing the launch of Kuwait Codes 2025, Ahmad Marafi, Co-founder and CEO at CODED Academy, expressed: “We are delighted to launch the new edition of Kuwait Codes for 2025, especially after witnessing remarkable successes in previous years.

The passion and ambition of Kuwaiti youth have become clear, demonstrating how programming education can open new horizons and provide essential tools to thrive in the digital age. We look forward to outstanding participation this year and hope to see our youth continue excelling locally, regionally, and internationally.” Hussain Al-Qatari – PR Manager at Alghanim Industries said: “Our sponsorship of Kuwait Codes for the fourth consecutive year reflects Alghanim Industries’ firm commitment to empowering Kuwaiti youth.”

Meaningful innovation

By supporting the ‘Kuwait Codes’ initiative, we’re equipping young Kuwaitis with practical technology and AI skills essential for adapting to a rapidly evolving digital economy. We’re proud to help build a generation capable of meaningful innovation and positive impact.” Fahad Al-Saad, Senior Manager of Public Relations and Events at Kuwait Finance House, said: “We are delighted to participate in the launch of the fifth edition of the ‘Kuwait Codes’ initiative for 2025, as part of our strategic partnership with CODED Academy. This collaboration aligns closely with KFH’s strategic commitment to social responsibility, digital transformation, innovation and youth empowerment.

We particularly support initiatives focused on technology and programming, which allow youth to explore and develop their digital capabilities.” Al-Saad highlighted that the strategic partnership between Kuwait Finance House and CODED Academy dates back to 2018, emphasizing that through this partnership, the bank continues to reinforce its role in supporting Kuwaiti youth and the wider community, nurturing a new generation equipped with advanced programming and cybersecurity skills.

He further explained that KFH’s sponsorship of Kuwait’s largest cybersecurity competition, “Kuwait Hackathon,” in collaboration with the National Cybersecurity Center and CODED Academy, underscores the bank’s dedication to being a leading example in corporate social responsibility, supporting national initiatives, innovation, and programming within the private sector. Al-Saad concluded by thanking the organizers of the 2025 ‘Kuwait Codes’ initiative and all participating partners, wishing everyone continued success.

Faisal Al-Duwaihees, Zain Kuwait’s Youth & Partnerships Specialist, said: “Today, we continue the strategic partnership between Zain and the nation’s leading programming initiative — ‘Kuwait Codes’ in its new season. Zain has been an integral part of its success story over the past seasons, and we are proud to have contributed to empowering and training more than 3,500 young Kuwaiti programmers, both male and female, whom we hope to see as the future leaders of Kuwait’s digital landscape.”

Sustainability strategy

He added: “This support is an integral part of our corporate sustainability strategy, which includes numerous programs focused on youth and education development. We carefully select these programs to ensure their objectives align with our strategic goals. Developing coding and digital skills among youth is one of our top priorities, as we strive to contribute to preparing a future generation of capable local talents to lead the next challenging phase.” Al-Duwaihees further stated: “At Zain, we are proud to be part of the success story of CODED Academy through our support for many of their outstanding training programs, such as ‘Kuwait Codes,’ ‘Academy X,’ and ‘Kuwait Hackathon.’

We look forward to a new season filled with success and achievement, eager to witness the creativity of Kuwait’s youth, and we wish our colleagues at CODED Academy all the best as they continue their journey of fostering innovation and creativity within the tech community.” Mariam Al Foudary, Agility’s Group Chief Marketing Officer said: “At Agility, we firmly believe that empowering youth with digital skills is one of the most impactful investments we can make in Kuwait’s future. That’s why we are honored to continue our support for Kuwait Codes for the third consecutive year — a transformative program that inspires and equips the next generation of tech and coding innovators.

Our dedication to initiatives like this underscores our broader mission to drive supply chain innovation and advance digital infrastructure. We extend our gratitude to our partners at CODED Academy for their invaluable role in nurturing a pipeline of talented young programmers who will play a pivotal role in shaping Kuwait’s digital economy. Together, we are building a brighter, more innovative future.”

Dr Hanadi Abdalsalam, Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs, Research, and Graduate Studies at the College of Life Sciences, said: “Kuwait University is proud to serve as a strategic partner for the Kuwait Codes initiative, which since 2022 has empowered over 3,200 students with modern technological skills. Through this initiative, students are given opportunities to explore fields such as programming, artificial intelligence, data science, application development, and cybersecurity, significantly enhancing their preparedness for the digital job market.”

She added: “This year, Kuwait University’s College of Life Sciences is hosting more than 1,000 students as part of Kuwait Codes, reflecting the growing enthusiasm among Kuwaiti youth to develop their technological skills. Our support for this initiative stems from our belief in building an innovative digital generation capable of contributing to Kuwait’s knowledge economy. We extend our sincere thanks to the CODED team and everyone involved in making this initiative successful, and we look forward to continued cooperation to advance technical education in Kuwait.”

Media sponsorship

Hussain Sana, Head of Content Creation at Kuwait News, stated: “The media sponsorship provided by Kuwait News for the “Kuwait Codes” initiative stems from the shared goals between Kuwait News and CODED in striving to build a skilled and knowledgeable national workforce. This ultimately serves the country’s best interests and supports its efforts to diversify the local economy.” Omar El Masri, Managing Director at Add Effect said: “For Kuwait’s economy to thrive, we must prepare a generation of talent capable of keeping pace with rapid technological advancements and leading the future with a forward-thinking vision.

At Add Effect, we believe in the power of innovation and its role in building a sustainable economy. We recognize the vital contribution of CODED in developing digital skills and fostering technological creativity. Through programs like Kuwait Codes, young individuals are empowered with coding and technology skills, equipping them to become the change makers and future leaders of Kuwait.” CODED Academy encourages all high school and 9th-grade students to register for the Kuwait Codes initiative. Interested students can sign up now through the official website: code.kw.

Related Topics:Academy Coded Codes edition initiative Kuwait launches

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Exit permit now mandatory for expat workers

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1 hour ago

July 1, 2025

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KUWAIT: A decision mandating expatriates working in the private sector to obtain an exit permit with the prior approval of their employers comes into effect on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Employees need to apply through the Sahel app or the Public Authority of Manpower’s website. The employer must then approve the request online before the authority issues the permit. The decision applies to private sector employees who have residency under article 18. Those who have article 19 residency – self-sponsored – are not required to obtain the exit permit.

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410 students benefit from Educational Care Bank project

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14 hours ago

July 1, 2025

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KUWAIT: Al-Safa Charitable Society announced that 410 students across various educational stages have benefited from the Educational Care Bank project for the 2024-2025 academic year. The initiative, implemented in collaboration with the General Secretariat of Endowments, provided a total of KD 100,000 (approximately $330,000) in educational support within Kuwait. Chairman of Al-Safa’s Board of Directors Mohammad Al-Shaya said in a press statement on Monday that the project reflects a shared commitment to supporting future generations by creating an educational environment free from financial obstacles. He emphasized that the initiative also aims to alleviate the financial burden faced by low-income families amid ongoing economic challenges.

Al-Shaya praised the General Secretariat of Endowments for its continued sponsorship of impactful and innovative projects that serve the community, particularly those focused on education. He noted that the Secretariat’s support for this program underscores its strong belief in education as a cornerstone for societal advancement and sustainable development. He added that Al-Safa Charitable Society, through this partnership, seeks to nurture a knowledgeable and responsible generation capable of contributing meaningfully to national development. The project, he explained, targets students who face difficulty in paying tuition fees, reaffirming the association’s belief in the right to education for all—without discrimination or financial barriers. — KUNA

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97,000 reverts and counting: IPC’s role in spreading Islam

Published

15 hours ago

July 1, 2025

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KUWAIT: Although it has been three months since the end of Ramadan, Islamic da’wah in Kuwait is far from limited to the holy month. Through organizations like the Islam Presentation Committee (IPC) — one of the country’s largest and oldest da’wah institutions — outreach efforts continue year-round. Since its founding in 1987, IPC has helped more than 97,000 people embrace Islam, including 2,702 in the past year alone. With over 3.4 million expatriates living in Kuwait — many from diverse religious backgrounds — the country often becomes more than just a place of work.

For many, it becomes the first space where they encounter Islam in a meaningful way. IPC’s efforts extend beyond traditional settings like mosques and religious centers. Thanks to the organization’s efforts, this Ramadan Kuwait did experience a significant increase in conversions to Islam, marking the highest number of conversions in the past seven years. Approximately 730 individuals from various nationalities embraced Islam by the 29th day of Ramadan.

This achievement is attributed to the efforts of 78 male and female preachers and the success of the “Change Their Lives” campaign, which included lectures and the distribution of preaching materials across the country. Much of IPC’s outreach focuses on laborers and domestic workers, meeting them in everyday environments such as markets, salons, workplaces, hospitals, farms, labor inspection offices, and even deportation centers.

Following initial outreach, new reverts begin a structured learning journey starting with a “Basic Islam” course that covers essential beliefs and practices. As they progress, students can enroll in advanced courses on Quranic interpretation, Tajweed, Islamic jurisprudence, Prophetic biography, and Islamic history — all offered free of charge.

A new Muslim graduate receives a certificate after completing IPC’s Islam course.

A passerby stops at one of IPC’s field da’wah booths in Barayeh Al Salem, Salmiya.

Available in 14 languages

Arabic language classes are also available for non-native speakers, including non-Muslims who wish to understand Islamic texts or culture. IPC also supports lifelong Muslims, recognizing that many — especially those from non-Arabic-speaking countries — may never have had the chance to study Islam formally. “We don’t just teach the students — we create a community for them,” said Haya Alawadhi, head of IPC’s Salmiya branch. “A good circle of friends, emotional support from teachers and staff, and even financial assistance when needed.”

Many new Muslims face personal challenges — including separation from family and friends. IPC responds by fostering a family-like environment where instructors and fellow students offer compassion, inclusion and support. After carefully assessing individual needs, IPC also provides financial aid and job placement assistance to ease the transition. With lectures and materials available in 14 languages, the organization ensures accessibility for newcomers of all backgrounds. In 2024 alone, the committee recorded 8,455 students from 39 nationalities enrolled in its programs.

“We don’t call each other by titles”

“We don’t call each other by titles,” Alawadhi added. “We say ‘sister’ and ‘brother.’ You might find an American sitting next to an Asian or a European, and everyone is treated the same. If someone walks in with bias, it fades once they become part of this place.” To further its reach, IPC has expanded into digital outreach, offering social media campaigns, interactive online lectures, and Islamic content to engage younger audiences and remote learners.

IPC’s da’wah efforts are not limited to blue-collar communities. The organization also engages diplomats, professionals, and high-profile guests, presenting them with traditional Kuwaiti gift boxes that include a translated Quran, a tourism brochure, and Islamic educational materials. In 2024 alone, IPC organized around 881 training courses. Alawadhi also shared that IPC trains new Muslims to become future Islamic educators and preachers. “Some of our most active preachers today were once IPC students who converted to Islam,” she added. IPC runs around 14 branches and centers that are spread across Kuwait’s governorates.