In a major step forward for women in technology, Saudi Arabia has opened its first Apple Academy exclusively for women in the capital city of Riyadh. This move is part of the country’s broader plan to support women, boost the tech sector, and create more opportunities for youth.
The academy is supported by Apple Inc. and is run in collaboration with Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, the largest women’s university in the world. This partnership reflects a shared goal of giving women the skills they need to succeed in today’s fast-moving digital world.
The new academy provides women with the tools to become entrepreneurs, app developers, designers, and tech leaders. It’s a powerful moment for the country and a proud one for many young Saudi women dreaming of breaking into the tech industry.
First of Its Kind in the Region
This Apple Developer Academy is the first of its kind in the Middle East. It reflects the Saudi government’s strong focus on modernizing the nation, with a special emphasis on giving women more freedom and support.
Located in Riyadh, the academy offers a free, nine-month program that teaches coding, design, business, and marketing. Women from all backgrounds and experiences can apply, and no prior coding knowledge is required. This makes it a unique and welcoming space for women who are curious about technology but may not know where to start.
Graduates of the academy will leave with the skills needed to launch their own apps, start businesses, or even join tech companies as developers and designers. It’s not just about learning to code – it’s about helping women build real careers in technology.
Opening Doors for a New Generation
The academy is a direct response to the growing number of women in Saudi Arabia who are eager to join the workforce, especially in modern industries like technology and innovation. Over the last few years, Saudi Arabia has seen more and more women entering fields that were once male-dominated.
By giving women access to the same world-class education that Apple offers in other countries, the academy levels the playing field and opens new doors.
The launch also lines up with Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s ambitious national plan to build a more diverse and knowledge-driven economy. One of Vision 2030’s goals is to increase women’s participation in the workforce to 30% – a goal that this academy helps move closer to reality.
Apple’s Global Commitment to Education
Apple has launched developer academies around the world, including in the U.S., Brazil, Italy, and Indonesia. The Riyadh academy is part of Apple’s broader mission to empower underserved communities and support global education.
Apple believes that coding is a universal language and that everyone should have the chance to learn it. By offering the curriculum in Arabic and English, the Riyadh academy ensures that language is not a barrier for women who want to participate.
The curriculum is designed to be hands-on and practical, with real-world projects that help students learn by doing. From app development and design to business planning and teamwork, students are taught everything they need to create products that can succeed in today’s digital world.
Breaking Barriers and Shaping Futures
For many of the women who have joined the academy, this opportunity means more than just learning new skills – it means freedom, independence, and a chance to dream bigger.
Students describe the experience as life-changing. Many of them never imagined they would be building apps or planning their own startups. But with the support of expert trainers and a strong community of learners, they now feel confident about their future in the tech world.
One student shared, “This academy gave me the courage to believe in myself. I came here with no experience in coding, and now I’m building my own app. It’s a dream come true.”
Another participant said, “I feel like I’m part of something big. I’m not just learning – I’m growing, and I’m preparing to take on the world.”
A Bright Future for Saudi Women in Tech
As the tech industry continues to grow, programs like this are key to making sure that women are not left behind. By teaching coding, design, and business skills, the Apple Developer Academy is building the next generation of tech leaders.
In a society that’s changing rapidly, these kinds of programs give women the tools to keep up and lead the way. It’s not just about creating jobs – it’s about building confidence, independence, and leadership among women in Saudi Arabia.
The academy is also expected to create a ripple effect. As more women graduate and go on to start companies, join tech firms, or teach others, the impact will reach far beyond the classroom.
Moving Toward an Inclusive Future
Saudi Arabia’s first Apple Developer Academy for women marks a new chapter in the country’s journey toward progress and inclusion. It shows that the Kingdom is serious about supporting women and investing in education, innovation, and the future.
This is more than just a tech program – it’s a symbol of change. It represents hope, ambition, and the belief that women can lead in every field, including technology.
With more initiatives like this, the future for women in Saudi Arabia looks brighter than ever. And for the women walking through the doors of the academy in Riyadh, the future has already begun.
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