Today's Edition
MUDHI ALOBTHANI (ABU DHABI)
As the world marks World Youth Skills Day, the UAE continues to broaden opportunities for young people to develop the skills needed for an evolving economy, with initiatives that connect education, entrepreneurship and industry.
Across the country, programmes are increasingly focused on equipping youth with practical experience, innovation, leadership and entrepreneurial capabilities, reflecting the UAE’s emphasis on preparing future-ready talent that can contribute to economic diversification and sustainable development.
One such programme is Founders of Tomorrow, launched by Dubai SME and INJAZ UAE to help transform university innovation and student ideas into scalable Emirati enterprises. By combining mentorship, industry engagement and hands-on learning, the initiative aims to strengthen entrepreneurial skills among university students and support them in turning ideas into viable businesses.
Razan Bashiti, CEO of INJAZ UAE, said: “World Youth Skills Day is a reminder that every young person has potential waiting to be unlocked. Our responsibility is to create opportunities that allow them to discover that potential.
“When young people are connected with mentors, industry professionals, and real-world learning experiences, they develop the skills, confidence, and mindset to become the innovators and leaders our future depends on.
“At INJAZ UAE, this is the belief that drives our work every day – bringing together education and industry to empower young people with future focused skills to shape the UAE’s transformative future.”
The UAE’s approach to youth skills development also extends to preparing students for international education and the global workforce. As demand grows for globally recognised qualifications and stronger communication skills, initiatives that improve academic and professional readiness are helping young people access opportunities both within the UAE and abroad.
Omar Chihane, Global General Manager of TOEFL at ETS, said: “ETS remains committed to empowering youth in the UAE and the wider region, and to enhancing their readiness and competitiveness to gain access to the best future opportunities, both academic and professional.
“Today, TOEFL is accepted by more than 13,000 institutions across 160+ countries, opening new and promising pathways for future generations in the UAE and beyond. This also means it supports the UAE’s pioneering efforts to empower its young talent and actively engage them in shaping a prosperous future for themselves and their communities.”
As industries continue to evolve, technical skills are also becoming increasingly important to support the UAE’s sustainability ambitions and energy transition. Programmes focused on digital technologies, electrification and automation are helping prepare young people for emerging careers.
Amel Chadli, President, Gulf Cluster, said: “On World Youth Skills Day, we are reminded of a fundamental reality: the energy transition can only progress at the speed of the talent driving it. Across the Gulf, demand for expertise in electrification, automation, and digital energy is growing rapidly, and at Schneider Electric, we view investing in the next generation of talent as both a business and societal imperative.
"We are proud to have exceeded our commitment to train more than one million young people worldwide in energy management and sustainability through education, entrepreneurship, and skills development programmes, delivered with over 400 partners across 60 countries.
“Through hands-on training, apprenticeships, and strong collaboration with industry, government, and academia, we are helping equip the youth with the capabilities needed to accelerate the region’s transition to a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.”
Together, these initiatives reflect the UAE’s growing emphasis on equipping young people with entrepreneurial, digital, technical and leadership skills, ensuring they are prepared to contribute to the country’s future economy and compete in an increasingly knowledge-based world.
