Sheikh Mohammed affirms youth as UAE's greatest wealth on International Youth Day
Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE emphasizes national commitment to empowering young Emiratis leading the country's most ambitious projects, as the world marks International Youth Day with theme 'Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.'
Mohammed bin Rashid hails UAE youth as nation's greatest wealth and hope on International Youth Day
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has declared young Emiratis the nation's greatest asset and primary hope for the future, marking International Youth Day on August 12.
In a statement posted on his official X account, Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that Emirati youth stand at the forefront of the country's most ambitious scientific, economic and technological endeavours. He reaffirmed that investing in and empowering young people remains a fundamental national priority.
On International Youth Day, we renew our confidence in the greatest wealth and greatest hope of our nation. Today, our youth are leading the greatest scientific, economic and technological projects. Their energy is our primary driving force towards the top, and investing in and empowering them will remain a national priority and an enduring approach.
The message comes as the world observes International Youth Day under the 2026 theme 'Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,' which recognizes that young people across diverse realities share fundamental goals including quality education, meaningful participation, and decent work opportunities. Globally, approximately 1.2 billion young people aged 15 to 24 account for 16 percent of the world's population, with projections indicating growth to nearly 1.3 billion by 2030.
Strategic commitment to youth development
The UAE's focus on youth empowerment reflects the country's demographic reality, with almost 50 percent of its 11.57 million population aged between 15 and 35. The median age stands at 31.6 years, making the UAE one of the youngest populations in the region.
This demographic reality underpins the UAE's comprehensive approach to youth development. The National Youth Agenda 2031, approved by the UAE Cabinet, aims to empower young Emiratis to become role models regionally and globally, with an ambitious goal of placing the UAE among the top 10 countries worldwide in terms of quality of life provided to youth.
The National Youth Strategy addresses five major life transitions for individuals aged 15 to 35: education, employment, adopting healthy and safe lifestyles, starting families, and exercising citizenship. This structured framework demonstrates the government's systematic approach to supporting young people through critical developmental stages.
Concrete initiatives in 2026
The UAE's commitment extends beyond policy statements to tangible programmes launched throughout 2026. The Federal Youth Authority introduced the 'Ghatareef' National Readiness Programme, designed to prepare Emirati secondary school graduates with essential skills and knowledge for their academic, professional and family lives.
In February 2026, the Digital School and Sawiris Foundation launched 'Jusur Al Foras' (Bridges of Opportunity) with support from Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives. The programme aims to equip 100,000 young people with skills and connect at least 10,000 with employment opportunities, extending the UAE's youth empowerment efforts beyond national borders.
The Arab Youth Centre and UAE Space Agency launched the first Arab Youth Space Hackathon in 2026, directly supporting young people in space science and advanced technology. This initiative exemplifies Sheikh Mohammed's statement about youth leading scientific and technological projects, particularly relevant given the UAE's expanding space sector ambitions.
Regional recognition
The UAE's sustained focus on youth development has earned international recognition. For twelve consecutive years, the country has been ranked as the top destination for Arab youth to live, according to the annual ASDA'A BCW Arab Youth Survey, providing external validation of the nation's youth-focused policies and quality of life initiatives.
Sheikh Mohammed's International Youth Day message underscores the leadership's view that youth empowerment represents not merely a social programme but a strategic investment in the nation's future competitiveness and prosperity.
