Resources

UAE Full-Stack · the 2026 stack

Curated, high-trust sources. Prefer the official docs as primary; the rest are supplements. All chosen for currency in 2026.

Knowledge

Python (fast-track for an experienced dev)

• From PHP to Python — straight-to-the-point guide Skips basics, maps PHP concepts to Python. Use for: your Week-1 syntax shift. → Lesson 01 · Python through PHP eyes
• Official Python Tutorial The canonical reference. Use for: anything you need to confirm authoritatively.
• Real Python High-quality, current articles. Use for: idioms, virtualenv, typing, gotchas.

FastAPI (backend)

• FastAPI Official Learn / Tutorial⭐ primary Best-in-class docs, written by the framework author. Use for: everything FastAPI. → Lesson 02 · FastAPI first endpoint
• FastAPI GitHub Source + examples. Use for: real-world patterns, checking current API.

Postgres + SQL + ORM

• SQLAlchemy 2.0 Docs⭐ primary The Python ORM you'll wire into FastAPI. Use for: models, sessions, queries. → Lesson 03 · Postgres persist with SQLAlchemy
• PostgreSQL Official Tutorial Use for: SQL fundamentals and Postgres-specific features.

React + Next.js (frontend)

• Next.js Official Learn — Dashboard App⭐ primary Project-based App Router course from Vercel. Use for: your Week-5 frontend. → Lesson 05 · Next.js App Router frontend
• React Official Docs (react.dev) Modern hooks-first React. Use for: refreshing React the current way. → Lesson 04 · React from jQuery to hooks

RAG (the differentiator)

• Build a RAG System with pgvector on Managed Postgres (2026)⭐ primary Current end-to-end RAG-on-Postgres walkthrough. Use for: Week-6 AI feature. → Lesson 06 · RAG question answering
• pgvector GitHub The vector extension itself. Use for: install, index types, distance operators.
• EnterpriseDB: RAG app with Postgres + pgvector Clear fundamentals + code on GitHub. Use for: a second angle if the first is unclear.
• Anthropic Claude API docs For the LLM "generation" step of RAG (latest models: Opus 4.8 / Sonnet 4.6 / Haiku 4.5).

DevOps (just enough)

• Docker Get Started Use for: containerising your FastAPI app for deploy. → Lesson 07 · DevOps ship it live
• Vercel Docs Use for: deploying the Next.js frontend (and Python functions if needed).

Wisdom (Communities)

• r/FastAPI Focused, practitioner-led. Use for: backend Qs.
• r/dubai + LinkedIn "Tech in UAE" groups Use for: local job-market reality, referrals, salary expectations.
• Dev community Discords / local Dubai dev meetups Use for: in-person networking → referrals (your stated application channel).

Gaps (to fill in future sessions)

• A trusted, current source for UAE-specific technical interview formats (most found material is generic 2025/2026 lists). Will refine as we get closer to applying.
• A canonical SQL practice playground recommendation (e.g. for daily query drills).