Today's Edition
BATOOL GHAITH (AL AIN)
Al Ain Youth Week commenced on Wednesday, focusing on empowering young Emiratis as a vital component of the region's development strategy and transforming their ideas into initiatives that create lasting community impact.
Held in conjunction with World Youth Skills Day, marked annually on July 15, and organised by the Al Ain Youth Council, the event will run until July 21 under the theme, "Al Ain Youth… Energy Shaping Tomorrow".
On the first day of Al Ain Youth Week, the Youth and Decision Makers Forum, gathered more than 40 young Emiratis with government leaders and academic institutions to discuss proposals for Al Ain's future.
AI in Focus
For Nasser Mohammed Al Blooshi, Vice President of the Al Ain Youth Council, the forum represents more than a discussion platform.
He said the event builds on the success of the first edition, where the brainstorming sessions produced initiatives that were later implemented on the ground. "This year, we expanded it to include all of Al Ain," he told Aletihad.
Al Blooshi indicated that bringing together decision-makers, government entities and young people allows youth to present the opportunities they see for the city directly to those responsible for shaping its future.
He said this year's participants introduced initiatives covering multiple sectors such as education, infrastructure, entrepreneurship, family values and tourism.
Additionally, artificial intelligence, he said, has become one of the most important areas of focus, supported by the UAE's leadership through new programmes and initiatives.
He pointed to the growing number of university students launching businesses, developing patents and becoming entrepreneurs before graduation as evidence of how opportunities for young people continue to expand.
Among the ideas discussed during the forum, Al Blooshi highlighted proposals to better connect university students with government and private-sector entities capable of supporting promising graduation projects and transforming them into practical solutions.
Creating Positive Change
For Mouza Al Kaabi, a member of Al Ain Youth Council, creating direct dialogue between youth and decision-makers was the defining feature of this year's programme.
She explained that the Youth and Decision Makers Forum was introduced during the second edition to strengthen collaboration and provide a platform for meaningful discussions, the exchange of ideas and the development of practical recommendations that support Al Ain's future aspirations.
As a young Emirati herself, Al Kaabi said her goal is to support youth development by creating opportunities that help young people grow and contribute to their communities.
She described the event's theme, Energy Shaping Tomorrow, as reflecting the power of young people's ambition and determination to create positive change.
"When young people are given the opportunity to contribute, collaborate and innovate, they become a real force in building a better tomorrow," she told Aletihad.
Education, Agriculture and Tourism
Supporting that vision was Dr Mohammad Fteiha, Director of Abu Dhabi University's Al Ain Campus, which hosted the forum. Dr Fteiha believes investing in youth is essential because they will become the country's future leaders.
"If we do not give them the opportunity to be heard, discuss their challenges and present their ideas, something will be missing," he told Aletihad.
Among the sectors he believes offer the greatest opportunities for young people are education, agriculture and tourism. He emphasised that education and future skills are fundamental for preparing young people for tomorrow's economy, while noting that tourism remains closely connected to Al Ain's cultural identity.
Agriculture, he added, continues to play an important role in the city and requires continued support and innovation from younger generations.
Dr Fteiha noted that young people have the ability to become ambassadors for Al Ain, promoting the city while helping develop new ideas that solidify the city on different levels.
