The summer break in the UAE is long, it’s far too hot for most outdoor plans, and by the second week your child has already asked for more screen time. A coding summer camp can turn some of those hours into something they’re proud of: a game they designed, a robot they programmed, an app they can show their friends. This guide explains what children actually do at a coding camp, the kinds of camp you’ll find in Dubai, what they cost, and how to pick one that suits your child.
Quick answer: a coding summer camp is a short holiday program where children learn to code by making things, such as games, animations, robots and simple AI projects. In Dubai you’ll find day camps at a venue, camps run inside schools, and live online programs your child joins from home. The best camp for your child matches their age, keeps groups small, has them build something every session, and fits around your family’s summer travel. iCodejr’s summer camps run live online, from AED 400 a month for 8 sessions.
What do kids do at a coding summer camp?
A good coding camp is hands-on from the first session. What children make depends mostly on their age:
| Age | What fits | What they might make |
|---|---|---|
| 5–6 | Screen-free coding robots and picture-block apps on a tablet | A floor robot that follows a path they planned; a short animated story |
| 7–9 | Block coding on a computer, first robotics | A Scratch game with levels and a score; a robot that reacts to light or sound |
| 10–12 | Bigger games, Minecraft or Roblox building, micro:bit electronics, first AI projects | A Roblox obstacle course; an electronic badge; a game controlled by hand gestures |
| 13–18 | Python, web and app development, Arduino robotics, AI | A Python quiz app; a personal website; a line-following robot |
If you’re not sure where your child should start, our guides to coding by age and robotics or coding help.
“During the holidays, I think children should have time to explore things without worrying about grades. Coding a silly game or trying a robot project can be a great way to learn.”
— Ria K, iCodejr teacher
Types of coding and programming camps in Dubai
You’ll come across four main kinds of coding camp in Dubai, and each suits a different child:
| Type | How it works | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venue day camps | Your child goes to a centre each morning or for the full day, booked week by week | Sociable children who enjoy group projects | How big the groups are, the summer drive, dates that clash with travel |
| School holiday camps | A school opens its computer labs to campers over the break | Families who live close by; children who prefer a setting they know | Fixed times, and places can fill early |
| Live online camps | Your child codes from home with a teacher on a video call, alone or in a small group | Families who travel, and children ready for more than a taster | Pre-recorded videos sold as a “camp”; check a real teacher is there live |
| One-off workshops | A single session or two, built around one robot or one game | A first try at coding | Too short to build lasting skills |
Plenty of families mix and match, for example a week at a venue for the social side and online classes for the weeks they’re away.
How much do coding summer camps cost in Dubai?
Camps are priced by the day, the week or the month, so two price tags rarely mean the same thing. Before you decide, divide the total by the number of sessions, then check:
- how long each session is;
- how many children each teacher looks after;
- what you get on top, such as a robot kit, materials or a certificate.
Our online summer camps cost from AED 400 a month, which covers 8 sessions, and each camp lists its own dates and ages. Our guide to coding class prices compares regular classes and camps in more detail.
How to choose a coding summer camp
Before you book, ask:
- Is it right for my child’s age? A 6-year-old and a 13-year-old need very different tools.
- How many children per teacher? Smaller groups mean more help when your child gets stuck.
- Will they build something every session? Ask what children usually finish by the end.
- Who are the teachers? Look for teachers who teach children regularly, not only during the summer.
- Does it fit your summer? Check the dates against your travel plans, and whether missed sessions can be made up.
- What happens after the camp? The best camps help your child keep going in September, so the skills don’t fade.
- Can my child try it first? A free trial lesson tells you more than any brochure.
Not sure if coding will click this summer?
Try a free one-to-one lesson in coding, robotics or AI before you book a camp. A teacher works with your child live online on a small project, and you're welcome to watch part of it. There's nothing to pay.
Coding summer camps at iCodejr
Our summer camps run live online, so your child can join from home in Dubai, or from wherever your family spends the break:
- Live one-to-one classes with their own teacher, never pre-recorded videos.
- Ages 5 to 18: picture-block coding and ScratchJr for the youngest, then Scratch, Python, Roblox game design, web development, AI and robotics. For robotics, we ship a kit to families in the UAE.
- Times that fit your summer: mornings, afternoons, evenings or weekends, with 40-minute classes for ages 5–6 and 50-minute classes from age 7.
- English or Arabic, with a certificate for every module your child completes.
Camps start from AED 400 a month for 8 sessions. See our summer camp page for summer 2027 dates, ages and how to sign up.
Ask about this season's offer before you choose
We run offers several times a year, including in winter and summer. Before you choose a package, message us and we'll tell you what's on right now.
Keep the learning going after camp
Children forget quickly if they stop completely in September. A few easy ways to keep going:
- Carry on with the project from camp at home, adding a level, a sound or a new character.
- Try Scratch games for younger children or Python projects for older ones.
- Look for a school hackathon; our guide to hackathons in the UAE lists the main ones, including our free inter-school Code Battle.
- Switch to a weekly class, so summer becomes the start of something rather than a one-off.
For other ideas for the break, see our list of summer activities for kids in the UAE.
Frequently asked questions
How does a coding summer camp work?
It’s a short holiday program where children learn to code by making things, such as games, animations, robots and simple AI projects, usually over one to four weeks.
What age can my child start a coding camp?
From about 5, with screen-free coding robots and picture-block apps. From around 7, most children can code on a computer.
Does my child need coding experience?
No. Good camps group children by age and level, so beginners start from the basics and experienced children get harder challenges.
Is a coding camp the same as a coding bootcamp?
Not really. “Bootcamp” usually means an intensive course for adults changing careers. Children’s coding camps are shorter, slower and built around fun projects.
How long are coding summer camps?
Most run for one to four weeks, from a couple of hours a day to full days. iCodejr’s online camps are booked by the month, with 8 sessions a month.
How much do coding summer camps cost in Dubai?
Prices depend on length, group size and extras, so compare what you pay per session. iCodejr’s online camps start from AED 400 a month for 8 sessions.
Are there summer STEM programs for kids in Dubai?
Yes. Besides coding camps, there are summer programs in robotics, science and engineering. Our guide to STEM programs for kids in the UAE explains what a good one includes and how to choose.
Are online coding camps as good as in-person ones?
They suit different children. Venue camps add the social side; live online classes give more one-to-one attention and work wherever you travel.
Does my child need a laptop for a coding camp?
For online camps, yes: a laptop or desktop with a camera (a tablet is fine for ages 5–6). For camps at a venue, ask what’s provided.
When do iCodejr’s summer 2027 camps open?
Dates will be announced in the spring on our summer camp page.
Is there a free trial before booking?
Yes. Your child’s first lesson is free and one-to-one, in coding, robotics or AI, and parents are welcome to watch part of it.
Planning your child’s summer? See our summer camp page for dates and sign-up, or book a free first lesson now and we’ll suggest a summer plan that suits your child’s age and interests.
