CodeD Concludes 'Kuwait Codes 6' with Admission of 1,078 Students

Kudd Academy, the Arab world’s first artificial intelligence and technology training academy, concluded the sixth edition of the “Kuwait Codes” 2026 initiative, as part of a strategic partnership with Alghanim Industries, Kuwait Finance House, Zain Kuwait, and Makhtabat. The event also received media sponsorship from Al Rai Global Advertising and was hosted by the American University of Kuwait (AUK).

This year, the initiative admitted 1,078 high school and ninth-grade students free of charge, bringing the total number of admitted students since its launch to over 5,500.

The initiative extends beyond education, as the “Kuwait Codes” team today includes former participants who returned to work with the team, providing practical proof that the program does more than impart knowledge; it creates early career opportunities, identifies national talent, and reinvests it.

In his speech at the closing ceremony, Hashem Baha’ani, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of the Academy, stated: “We are living in an era where artificial intelligence has redefined every field. Opportunities are not given to those who understand technology theoretically, but to those who master its practical application. That is why we have integrated AI into every track rather than offering it as a separate subject. We bet on high school students because we have seen what they can achieve when given the opportunity early. The most convincing evidence is that members of the ‘Kuwait Codes’ team were students in the program yesterday and have now returned to teach others. This is how national competencies are built: a generation that learns, then returns to open the door for those who come after.”

He added, “At the conclusion of this edition, I cannot but extend my deepest gratitude to our strategic partners and sponsors, who believed in this mission and made this impact possible.”

Faisal Al-Sultan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Makhtab, said, “Future skills are built today, and that is exactly what we witnessed with this year’s cohort of the ‘Kuwait Codes’ program. We celebrate with the Academy the graduation of a distinguished group of young men and women who have mastered specialized tracks in cybersecurity, Python programming using AI, and website development using AI.

“This cohort is the fruit of a genuine partnership between the private sector and technical education, and we at Makhtab are proud to be part of it.”

He added, “The graduation of this outstanding cohort reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting purposeful educational initiatives and fostering innovation and digital transformation in Kuwait, based on our conviction in the importance of building national competencies capable of leading the future economy. Each graduating cohort from this program confirms to us that investing in Kuwaiti youth is the most rewarding investment in Kuwait’s future.”

Al-Sultan thanked the Academy team for “their professionalism in preparing this constellation of young programmers,” and congratulated every graduate on this achievement they can be proud of. He expressed anticipation for what they will contribute in the coming stages, noting that they are undoubtedly promising talents who will help advance Kuwait’s digital transformation journey.

For his part, Faisal Al-Sari, Chief Executive Officer of Corporate Relations and Social Responsibility at Kuwait Finance House, stated that the success achieved by “Kuwait Codes” at the end of its current edition represents a new milestone in the strategic partnership between Kuwait Finance House and Kudd Academy, reflecting their shared commitment to empowering youth and equipping them with the necessary digital and technical skills to meet future demands.

He clarified that since its launch in 2020, the program has contributed to training thousands of students in programming, technology, and cybersecurity, thereby helping to prepare a digitally empowered generation capable of supporting Kuwait’s digital transformation process.

Al-Saree affirmed that investment in human capital is a fundamental pillar of Kuwait Finance House’s sustainability strategy, noting the bank’s continued support for distinctive initiatives in education, technology, and innovation, which contribute to developing national competencies, strengthening the knowledge-based economy, and achieving sustainable development.

Hamad Al-Musaybih, CEO of Corporate Relations and Communications at Zain Kuwait, said: “We celebrate the successful conclusion of a new season of ‘Kuwait Codes,’ and the impact achieved through our partnership with CODED over the past five years. For us, the value of the program is not measured solely by the number of participants, but by the skills, confidence, and opportunities they acquire, which help them build their futures in a rapidly evolving digital world. With the accelerating advancements in artificial intelligence, we believe our role extends beyond providing tools to empowering youth with the knowledge and skills needed to use technology consciously and responsibly, and to create real impact.”

Fatima Dashti, Human Resources Director at Al-Ghanim Industries, said: “Through our partnership with CODED, we have always strived to ensure that young people’s experiences go beyond training, opening up broader opportunities for learning and experimentation. In this year’s edition, we were pleased to involve Amal Kuwait in the community event of the ‘Kuwait Codes’ initiative, which gave students a closer and more practical insight into entrepreneurship.”

She added, “We believe these experiences help young people broaden their horizons and connect what they learn with real future opportunities, whether in their careers or in transforming their ideas into projects and initiatives. We are proud to continue supporting ‘Kuwait Codes’ and the growing impact the initiative achieves among youth in Kuwait.”

For his part, Dr. Mohammed Al-Abd, Dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences at the American University of Kuwait (AUK), stated that the university hosted the ‘CODED’ initiative over the past three months, supporting it by making its facilities and institutional resources available to contribute to a shared vision of empowering youth and investing in their potential.

This collaboration reflects AUK’s belief in the importance of equipping the next generation with the skills, technologies, and practical experience that align with the changing demands of the labor market, helping prepare them to become innovators and future leaders. By supporting distinctive initiatives like ‘CODED,’ AUK continues to reinforce its role as an educational institution that supports youth development, encourages innovation, and contributes to building a generation equipped with future-ready skills.

Khaled Al-Sayer, CEO of Al-Rai Global Advertising and Public Relations Company, concluded by emphasizing that supporting distinctive initiatives that invest in youth capabilities is an extension of Al-Rai’s role in supporting development, knowledge, and innovation pathways, rather than merely providing media sponsorship for an event or program.

Al-Sayer said, “We believe that media is a key partner in creating impact, and its role extends beyond reporting success stories to highlighting, supporting, and motivating society to engage with them.

This is why Al-Rai’s media sponsorship of the ‘Kuwait Codes’ initiative has succeeded in empowering youth to acquire practical skills in programming, technology, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, qualifying them to meet future demands.”

He added, “The continuation of ‘Kuwait Codes’ for the sixth consecutive year reflects the importance of investing in youth potential and confirms that building and empowering individuals with knowledge and technical skills is the foundation of sustainable development.”

Al-Sayer emphasized that artificial intelligence and modern technologies are no longer specialized domains limited to a specific group, but have become integral to various sectors and professions. He noted that expanding knowledge of these technologies among young people contributes to preparing a generation better equipped to innovate, compete, and participate in building a knowledge-based economy.

What distinguishes the programs is that artificial intelligence was not presented as a standalone subject or an add-on to the curriculum, but was embedded at the core of every track and every project, reflecting the reality of the labor market where these tools are no longer the exclusive domain of specialists.

The Academy invited high school students interested in joining the next edition of “Kuwait Codes” to follow its official channels, where registration will be announced via coded.kw.