Dubai hosts first ever graduation of Blockchain developers

Global blockchain specialist ConsenSys announced today the graduation and certification of its inaugural Developer Programme class as part of its ConsenSys Academy.

More than 150 guests and students attended a special graduation ceremony at the Emirates Towers Hotel, which included 58 graduating blockchain developers, two of which are from the United Arab Emirates. Graduation certificates were issued on the Ethereum blockchain through the self-sovereign digital identity app, uPort by Akshi Federici, Executive Director of Strategic Projects, ConsenSys.

The gathering, which took place after an exciting three-day hackathon, was also graced by the presence of Dr. Aisha Bint Butti Bin Bishr, Director General of Smart Dubai Office, and Mr. Wesam Lootah, CEO of Smart Dubai Government Establishment, in addition to top ConsenSys executives.

Since the announcement of the Dubai Blockchain Strategy 2020 by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, in October 2016, Dubai has attracted leading experts and talent from around the globe to help the city fulfil its goal of becoming the world’s first blockchain- powered government. Partners include ConsenSys, whose Dubai-based regional headquarters have grown into the company’s second-largest hub, second only to its Brooklyn HQ.

''The increasing global demand for blockchain developers led to the creation of ConsenSys Academy. It is very rewarding to see the first cohort of blockchain software engineers graduate and especially exciting to witness them awarded their Ethereum blockchain-based graduation certificates. These EthCerts will be housed in each graduate’s personal uPort IDs," said Joseph Lubin. "For this to happen here in Dubai is a testament to the city’s growing reputation as the global hub for blockchain leadership and innovation."

"Hosting this first graduating class here in Dubai is testament to the emirate’s status as a leader in future technologies," noted Dr Aisha. "ConsenSys Academy’s initiative to address the global shortage in Blockchain developers resonates with our objectives at Smart Dubai. Empowering human resources and equipping them with the necessary skills to navigate the workplace of the future is a key tenet of our strategy, which, in turn, reflects the overarching strategy and mission of the UAE leadership for the foreseeable future and beyond, all the way to the UAE Centennial 2071."