Building home for innovation: UAE Software Dev group empowers next-gen of engineers

The UAE Software Dev Group is shaping a community-driven software engineering ecosystem aligned with the UAE’s innovation vision.

The UAE’s ambition to become a global hub for innovation is being powered not only by government strategy but also by thriving grassroots communities driving real change from within the tech ecosystem. Among these, the UAE/MENA Software Dev Group stands out as a collaborative force uniting software professionals, startups, and innovators across the region.

Ashok Naik, Software engineer at Emirates NBD and UAE Software Dev Group community leader, discussed how their initiative supports the UAE’s national vision for a world-class software engineering ecosystem, the critical skills developers need to master in 2025 and beyond, and the emerging trends—such as AI, open-source collaboration, and low-code platforms—shaping the future of software development in the region.

Recently, a community programme was held at Coders HQ, hosted by two experts, Waleed Mowafy, Solution Architect, MongoDB, and Aadhil Ahamed, HR professional and  Career Strategist for a group of software engineers.

Interview Excerpts:

What inspired this initiative at the UAE Software Dev Group, and how does it align with the UAE’s vision to build a thriving software engineering ecosystem?
The inspiration behind this initiative comes from a shared experience—many of us arrived in the UAE as professionals looking for opportunities, unsure of where to start or how to connect. The UAE Software Dev Group was created to be a space where everyone feels they belong, regardless of where they come from. The UAE has always opened its doors to innovators from across the world, and the UAE/MENA Software Dev Group embodies that same spirit: a community where knowledge, collaboration, and growth are prioritised. By nurturing both professional excellence and a sense of belonging, we’re contributing to the UAE’s vision of becoming a global hub for innovation and software engineering talent.

From your perspective, what are the most pressing skills and technologies that UAE software engineers need to master in 2025 and beyond?
As AI continues to transform the industry, I believe the foundation still lies in strong software engineering principles—clean architecture, system design, scalability, and security. In 2025 and beyond, engineers in the UAE must focus on rapid adaptability, cloud-native development, application modernisation, and distributed system design, along with understanding AI integration rather than just AI usage. The ability to combine solid engineering fundamentals with modern cloud, DevOps, and AI practices will define the next generation of tech leaders in the region.

How is the UAE Software Dev Group fostering collaboration between developers, startups, and government entities to drive national innovation goals?
The UAE/MENA Software Dev Group provides a platform for connecting developers, startups, and government entities through hands-on hackathons, collaborative sessions, and open innovation challenges. It’s not just a learning platform; it’s an environment that encourages people to experiment, collaborate, and build solutions aligned with the UAE’s development vision.

“The community is inclusive, supportive, and designed to help every software engineer push beyond boundaries.”

What emerging trends, such as AI, open-source development, or low-code platforms, are shaping the future of software engineering in the region?
AI is undoubtedly the front-runner in shaping the future, but its true potential lies in how it integrates with other key domains. We’re seeing rapid momentum around AI-driven development, open-source adoption, agentic automation, and low-code/no-code tools that empower faster delivery. However, these innovations must be supported by strong expertise in cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, networking, and software architecture. Together, these domains are redefining what it means to be a modern engineer in the region.

How do local communities like the UAE Software Dev Group ensure knowledge transfer and upskilling for homegrown developers?
Communities like the UAE/MENA Software Dev Group play a vital role by creating consistent opportunities for shared learning and knowledge exchange. By bringing in diverse speakers, empowering community leaders to host events and making them easily accessible, and encouraging leaders from major organisations to come forward and share their experiences, we facilitate the upskilling of homegrown developers. This creates a sustainable ecosystem where knowledge flows freely and everyone grows together.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​