SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
What started as a platform for young people to freely speak their mind has become a space that empowers them to help shape the country's future. Members of UAE youth councils say they not only feel heard - they feel part of something bigger, more meaningful.
"Youth councils have evolved beyond being platforms where young people simply share their views," said Eng Manea Alhammadi, ADNOC Onshore Youth Council. "They have become mechanisms that transform youth perspectives into action."
Their council, he said, connects young people with decision-makers and enables them to contribute to business and national priorities across AI, technology, sustainability, operational excellence and community impact.
"Young people are not only being prepared for the future; they are being entrusted to help shape it," Alhammadi told Aletihad. "Our ambition should be measured not by how many activities we organise, but by how many ideas we turn into outcomes."
Eng Maryam Alhefeiti, also from ADNOC Onshore Youth Council, agreed that youth empowerment is about creating tangible impact - and their space allows them to do just that.
"We are encouraged to contribute ideas that support innovation, operational excellence and sustainability," she said, adding that these contributions align closely with ADNOC's strategic goals and the UAE's national vision.
Abdullah Saeed Al Kaabi, Vice President of the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalid Al Nahyan Youth Council, said the platform helps young people become confident thought leaders who can represent the UAE on the world stage.
"Representing the UAE at the Arab Youth Forum in Morocco further reinforced my belief that investing in youth means trusting them with responsibility and providing them with opportunities to contribute on both national and international levels," Al Kaabi said.
Maitha Alzaabi, from the Eastern Region Youth Council, agreed that being part of the council means more than just showing up for events. "Youth councils give us a sense that we are active partners in the UAE's development, rather than simply participants in youth activities."
Developing initiatives that serve people on the ground takes teamwork, she said, and members are glad to put in the effort because they believe in the cause.
"An idea can start from a simple discussion about the needs and interests of young people and then develop through collaboration, planning and partnerships with different entities into an initiative that reaches the wider community," Alzaabi said.
Ahoud Khalifa Al Kaabi of Al Ain Youth Council said the platform also brings together young people from different backgrounds, and that diversity creates bigger ideas and greater impact.
"The UAE believes in its youth, not only as future leaders, but as active partners in shaping the country today," Al Kaabi said.