In a vibrant initiative launched recently the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai held its very first youth retreat, uniting senior leaders with bright young staff members. The event isn’t just a meeting—it’s a fresh, immersive experience.
Among those attending were Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, the Director General, and Major General Obaid Muhair Bin Suroor, the Deputy Director General, alongside their assistants. The tone was informal yet purposeful, creating an atmosphere where ideas could freely flow.
The retreat featured hands-on workshops clustered around four core themes:
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Building Future Skills & Enhancing Well-Being – Exploring ways to grow and develop personally and professionally while keeping joy and balance at the heart.
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Innovation & Digital Transformation – Pushing boundaries on how technology can reshape everything the organization does.
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Emirati Identity & Social Values – Strengthening pride in national values and deepening roots in our shared culture.
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Youth Involvement & Strategic Partnerships – Empowering young professionals to be active contributors in decision-making and representing the organization locally and internationally.
Lt. Gen. Al Marri beautifully captured the essence: “Young people are our true wealth and the architects of tomorrow. Investing in them is investing in sustained success. This retreat opens real space for them—space for dialogue, planning, and co-creating a model of youth empowerment.”
On a more personal note, First Lieutenant Khalid Al Ram — chairing the Youth Council — stirred the room with optimism: “This retreat is more than a stage—it’s a launchpad for your voices. It shows leadership’s faith in you. Even a seemingly small idea could grow into a major project.”
