Dubai: The Dubai Youth Council, with the support of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, organized the Dubai Youth Retreat, bringing together prominent figures from various fields to engage with over 80 young Emiratis. Held at the Etihad Museum, the event aimed to empower youth in leadership, creativity, economy, and society, fostering innovative solutions to future challenges.
Leadership Participation
The retreat was attended by key figures, including H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, and several ministers and officials. These leaders emphasized the importance of youth involvement in shaping Dubai’s future, aligning with the emirate’s vision of investing in its younger generation.
Focus on Innovation and Creativity
H.H. Sheikha Latifa highlighted the retreat’s alignment with Dubai’s forward-thinking approach. “This retreat is an investment in tomorrow, nurturing decision-makers and leaders who are committed to shaping future plans and policies,” she said. The event, coinciding with the launch of the National Youth Agenda 2031, underscored the UAE’s dedication to fostering creativity and innovation among its youth.
Empowering the Next Generation
Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, stressed the retreat’s role in reinforcing leadership and innovation values among Emirati youth. He noted that initiatives like the Dubai Youth Retreat are crucial in providing a clear vision for the future and contributing to the UAE’s sustainable development goals.
Hala Badri, Director-General of Dubai Culture, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the necessity of guiding youth towards realizing their ambitions. “Youth are the driving force and true engine of innovation and sustainable development,” she said.
Strategic Discussions
The retreat featured brainstorming sessions and workshops focusing on key themes such as economy, innovation, military, space, and community service. These sessions highlighted the importance of equipping youth with the skills needed to tackle future challenges and contribute to Dubai’s progress.
Outcome and Future Steps
Hassan Sabt, President of the Dubai Youth Council, praised the retreat as a pioneering step in enhancing the role of youth in Dubai’s development. He emphasized the retreat’s success in fostering direct communication between youth and decision-makers and its potential to transform Dubai into a global innovation hub.
The retreat concluded with the launch of six dialogue platforms for youth to discuss pressing issues across various sectors, marking the beginning of ongoing initiatives aimed at harnessing the energy and creativity of Dubai’s youth for the emirate’s continued growth.
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