In a compelling youth dialogue session held recently in Dubai, Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, highlighted that empowering young people to grasp the complexities of global economic shifts is essential to building a resilient and confident generation ready for the challenges of tomorrow.
Speaking at the session titled “Global Economic Decisions: How Can Youth Create Opportunities?” organised by the Dubai Youth Council in collaboration with the Youth Council of the Department of Finance, Al Neyadi stressed the importance of creating interactive platforms where young people can share innovative ideas and actively contribute to the knowledge-based economy driven by efficiency and sustainable growth.
The session was attended by prominent leaders including Abdullah Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary-General of Dubai Executive Council; Abdulrahman Al Saleh, Director General of Dubai’s Department of Finance; Khaled Al Nuaimi, Director of the Federal Youth Foundation; and Abdullah Ali Al Falasi, Director General of Dubai Government Human Resources Department, along with a group of economic and policy experts.
Al Neyadi urged youth to focus on vital sectors such as economy, tourism, and space, which are key to the UAE’s strategic direction. He noted that defining their goals based on personal passions is the first step towards success, whether in academic pursuits or entrepreneurial ventures. Clear strategic planning, he added, enhances growth potential and leads to impactful achievements.
Youth as Drivers of Change
Abdulrahman Al Saleh underscored that youth are the true driving force behind transformative change. Their awareness of economic challenges, he said, equips them to convert these challenges into genuine developmental opportunities that support the nation’s progress.
He emphasized that economic and commercial diversification is a core factor in strengthening resilience, noting that young people’s creative energy continues to generate unique ideas and projects. This diversity, Al Saleh explained, positively shapes the UAE’s current economic landscape, as multiple income streams reduce risks and ensure sustainable growth and success.
Developing Economic Skills
Abdullah Ali Al Falasi highlighted that investing in developing youth’s economic skills is pivotal to enabling them to participate effectively in shaping strategic decisions for the economy of the future. He pointed out that the UAE continues to foster an environment where opportunities are created, with the government actively encouraging young people to enter business and investment fields.
He also explained that the state’s approach today values all disciplines equally, as the priority has shifted from choosing a specific major to acquiring skills and the ability to leverage opportunities across sectors.
During the session, discussions focused on global economic issues from a youth perspective, emphasizing the need to enhance young people’s capacity to make informed economic decisions, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the country’s evolving economic landscape amid rapid global changes.
Key Outcomes
The dialogue session resulted in significant initiatives, including launching a training course in collaboration with Dubai’s Department of Finance titled “The Role of Emirati Youth in the New Economy,” as well as establishing the Youth Economic Forum aimed at enhancing youth understanding of emerging economic models, digital economy, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.
These initiatives reflect the critical role youth play in shaping the national economic future and reaffirm the importance of equipping them with the tools to seize opportunities and contribute effectively to developing vital sectors in the UAE.
Youth Perspectives
Young council members expressed their vision of being active partners in building the national economy. Shamma Jumaa Al Rahoumi, Chair of Dubai Finance Youth Council, emphasized that understanding economic policies not only prepares youth for the future but empowers them to participate in shaping it.
Reem Al Kos Al Falasi, Chair of Dubai Youth Council, stated that economic development requires minds aware of its impact on people and communities, stressing that intellectual empowerment of youth is the true path to societal change.
Meanwhile, Ahmed Marwan Al Sowaleh, Vice Chair of Dubai Youth Council, noted that the UAE continues to strengthen its position as an attractive economic hub that fosters investment and broadens opportunities for all.
