Tomorrow, the United Arab Emirates will join the world in marking International Youth Day — a moment that arrives as the country’s youth empowerment journey reaches new heights. Over the past years, young Emiratis have been stepping confidently into leadership roles, taking part in key national projects, and helping to shape the country’s vision for the future.
The 2025 celebration shines a spotlight on the critical role of young people in turning the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals into real-world achievements. Their creativity, energy, and problem-solving spirit have become essential in driving lasting change.
A Celebration Aligned with the Youth Agenda 2031
This year’s observance ties directly into the National Youth Agenda 2031, which sets out a clear ambition: to make Emirati youth a leading global example in values, ideas, and contributions to social and economic growth.
In just the past year, new projects have been launched to bring that vision closer to reality. Among them:
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The UAE Youth Council for Entrepreneurship, helping young innovators grow national economic competitiveness.
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The Young Financial Advisors Program, preparing Emirati men and women to become certified consultants who can guide better financial decisions and encourage saving and investing.
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The opening of the first Youth Space in Abu Dhabi’s Madar 39 and another in Fujairah — spaces designed to inspire collaboration and creativity.
Strengthening the Humanitarian Role of Youth
This year also saw the launch of the UAE Youth Council for Humanitarian Work, created in partnership with the International Humanitarian Affairs Council and the Federal Youth Authority. The goal: to involve young people directly in achieving international sustainable development targets.
The UAE further demonstrated its commitment by hosting the 4th Arab Meeting for Young Leaders during the World Government Summit 2025, where discussions focused on transforming regional challenges into opportunities and ensuring youth voices are heard in policy-making.
Years of Steady Investment in Youth
The country’s approach to youth empowerment has deep roots. Back in 2016, the Cabinet approved the creation of the UAE Youth Council and the Federal Youth Authority, which work together with local youth councils to design an annual program of events and initiatives. The National Youth Strategy supports young people through key life stages — from education and career development to healthy living, family life, and national service.
Other milestones include the 2019 Cabinet decision requiring young Emiratis to serve on boards of government institutions, and the launch of the National Youth Survey in 2022 to better understand the social, cultural, and economic realities facing youth today.
In 2023, the Global Emirati Youth Initiative was unveiled to share the UAE’s values and culture with the world, promoting tolerance, coexistence, and cultural exchange.
A Hub for Arab Youth Ambitions
The UAE has also become a regional center for Arab youth development. The Arab Youth Center, founded in 2017, continues to drive initiatives like the Arab Youth Hackathon, the Arab Youth Projects Market, Youth Solutions, and the Arab Young Diplomatic Leaders Program.
Other projects, such as the Arab Youth Opportunities Platform (2018) and the Arab Space Pioneers Program (2020), give young people access to education, training, and scientific fields like space research, fostering skills that are in demand worldwide.
As the UAE celebrates International Youth Day, it sends a clear message: youth empowerment is not a seasonal campaign, but a long-term national investment — one that ensures the next generation is ready to lead, innovate, and make a difference both locally and globally.
