42 Amman: A New Hub for Digital Innovation and Opportunity in the Middle East
Jordan’s capital, Amman, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, housing ancient landmarks such as the world-famous Citadel and breathtaking Nabataean and Roman sites. But today, Amman stands at the crossroads of history and modernity, emerging as a hub of digital innovation, opportunity, and investment. This evolution is driven by one of the youngest populations in the region — 63% of Jordanians are under the age of 30 — presenting a unique opportunity to shape the nation’s future through transformative education and technology.
The launch of 42 Amman is a collaborative effort driven by the Crown Prince Foundation led in partnership with CHAMS NGO, a pioneering organization dedicated to providing tech education and employment opportunities in refugee-hosting regions. CHAMS has been instrumental in bringing innovative tech education to some of the most underserved communities in Jordan and beyond. Their work in the Zaatari refugee camp near Mafraq, where they have established coding schools for local Jordanians and Syrian refugees, has already begun transforming lives by creating pathways to meaningful employment.
Tina Sweis, Executive Director of 42 Amman, emphasizes the campus’s commitment to reshaping technical education in Jordan, highlighting the importance of creating a global network of collaboration: “The program in Amman also builds a global network of collaboration that allows our students to connect, learn, and build stronger bridges for learning and employment through a true network of global partnerships. Most importantly, it is the exposure and experience our students gain that truly transforms their mindsets by being part of the 42 family.”
Despite being a new concept in Jordan, 42 Amman quickly gained traction in the community, surpassing 10,000 applications in its first year alone. The program’s intensive selection phase, known as the Piscine, has already seen exceptional engagement and results. Inclusivity is central to 42 Amman’s mission, with the first cohort proudly comprising 41% women — a testament to its commitment to providing equitable opportunities in digital education.
Reflecting on the journey, Tina Sweis remarked: “It’s wonderful to witness their transformation — from being uncertain about their abilities to expressing confidence in their coding skills by the end of the Piscine.”
Looking to the future, we envision 42 Amman as an integral part of Jordan’s digital innovation ecosystem, aiming to foster tech-driven ventures and partnerships not just among its students but also with industry experts to complete this circle. Sweis adds, “Students at 42 Amman are mastering the concept of ‘learning to learn’ through the unique 42 disruptive learning methodology, equipping them with the skills to build future-proof career paths in tech, ready for the country’s economic development and digital transformation vision.”
In addition, a group of 42 Amman students recently participated in the 42 Asia Hackathon, where they engaged with peers from other campuses, gaining valuable experience and fostering global connections.
Jordan’s Aspiration for a Digital Future
As part of the 42 network, 42 Amman is more than just a program; it represents Jordan’s aspiration to position itself as a regional leader in digital education and innovation. This campus is set to contribute not only to local economic growth but also to regional and global advancements in technology and education for employment. By cultivating a new generation of tech-savvy, innovative thinkers, Jordan is taking confident strides towards establishing a knowledge-based economy. Through 42 Amman, Jordan is also empowering its youth to compete on a global scale and become a source of skilled tech talent for international markets, bridging local expertise with global opportunities.
