BATOOL GHAITH (ABU DHABI)
There's more to Al Ain than its oases and historic forts - and at Al Ain Youth Week, young Emiratis showed up with ideas that could turn the region into the UAE's next big tourism draw.
Organised by Al Ain Youth Council, the week brought young citizens face to face with decision-makers to discuss the region's development, from family values to future skills and AI, and leadership in tourism and the economy.
Tourism was a key interest, especially among participants for whom social media is second nature.
Abdelaziz Al Kuwaiti, a 21-year-old photographer and content creator, pitched a podcast offering a glimpse of life in Al Ain, told by the people and families that call it home. Guests could talk about where they go, what they do for fun, and what they hope for the city's future, he said.
He also proposed inviting young people to recommend activities, sports, and creative experiences that showcase Al Ain beyond its heritage and traditions. He dubbed the crowd-sourcing initiative "Hayyak Al Shabab", aiming to make Al Ain a place that more people would want to experience.
Al Kuwaiti, a civil engineering student at United Arab Emirates University, saw Al Ain Youth Week as a golden opportunity to contribute to expanding the city's creative community.
"Understanding what young people want is essential because they will shape the UAE's future over the coming decades," he told Aletihad.
Alia Al Harasi, 20, agreed that young people bring a distinct perspective to tourism, since every generation gravitates toward different experiences.
"What my father likes to do for entertainment is different from what I want to do," she told Aletihad. Young people, she added, understand what makes a place appealing to their peers, what brings visitors back, and what makes them feel connected to a destination.
Still, any new tourism ideas need to stay rooted in Emirati culture and values, she said. "It's important to find a balance between entertainment and cultural identity - there has to be a middle ground."
Beyond their new-age skills as digital natives, young people's passion and drive position them to make a real contribution to the UAE's development, Al Harasi said. She encouraged her peers to embrace that responsibility, even if it means stepping outside their comfort zones.
Collaborative Work
Shahad Al Mansoori, a member of the ADNOC Logistics and Services Youth Council, said events like Al Ain Youth Week empower young Emiratis to become active partners in shaping their communities.
She noted that officials at the event didn't just listen; they shared expertise, offered constructive feedback, and helped refine ideas into initiatives that are practical, impactful, and aligned with Al Ain's vision for the future.
"Through collaborative work, we were able to transform those findings into proposed initiatives focused on youth empowerment, which was inspiring," Al Mansoori told Aletihad.