Today's Edition
KIRSTIN BERNABE (ABU DHABI)
They say the youth are the future; in the UAE, they are also shaping the present.
They are leaders, innovators, volunteers, star athletes, space experts, environmental champions, parliamentarians, change-makers — they are role models determined to make a difference. It’s a generation empowered by a nation that views its youth as its most valuable asset.
This year’s International Youth Day highlights the role of the youth in translating global ambitions into community-driven realities. The UAE sees this in action not only in major milestones but in the everyday contributions of young people across sectors.
With numerous policies in place and a clear roadmap for the coming years, the UAE is committed to bringing out the best in its young population, enabling them to reach their full potential.
For the country, it is clear that the youth have a pivotal role to play in nation-building. Its National Youth Agenda 2031 has set five strategic goals to empower young Emiratis to become role models and increase their contribution to economic and social development, according to the UAE Government’s official website.
Under this agenda, the UAE’s youth should be capable to actively contribute to the nation’s growth; serve the community while adhering to Emirati values and principles; drive a positive change globally; keep up with the latest breakthroughs in advanced technologies and be highly proficient in mastering skills of the future; and enjoy the highest levels of health and quality of life.
The agenda aims to qualify more than 100 young Emiratis to represent the country in global organisations; provide the youth with suitable career pathways in the labour market; and place the UAE among the world’s top 10 countries in terms of quality of life provided to its young population, among other goals that focus on empowerment and national identity.
The Federal Youth Authority, established in 2018, has been steadfast in its commitment to nurturing the youth and creating an optimal environment to enhance their participation in society. Youth Councils and Youth Hubs were also formed to ensure their voices are heard, their needs are met, and their ideas are given space to flourish.
Believing that engaging the young is essential to sustainable progress, the UAE has put a Youth Engagement Policy in place. In 2019, the Cabinet made it mandatory for federal government entities to include young Emiratis under 30 years old in their boards of directors. In 2020, another policy was approved to ensure the representation of young employees in all official UAE delegations.
Recent reports have shown how the country’s unwavering support is bearing fruit. The youth now make up half of the nation’s growing workforce, according to the latest figures from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. Students have been garnering international awards, including those from Inventors Day in Indonesia and the International Economics Olympiad in Hong Kong. Innovators are being recognised worldwide.
Athletes — such as Rouda Alserkal in chess, Rashid Al Dhaheri in motorsports, and Amenah Al Muhairi in snowboarding — are making history. Some are training for space missions or building state-of-the-art satellites. Young ministers are helping shape policy, a reflection of the nation’s confidence in its next generation.
The UAE has long held big dreams for its youth — but with the constant encouragement and support they receive, today’s youth are pursuing bigger dreams for the UAE.
