A recent report mentions that over the next 15 years, over 127 million young people in the MENA region will enter the workforce. While some may call it a population trend, it’s a defining moment that will shape the region’s future economy, society, and landscape for years to come. In the UAE, the workforce chart only keeps growing with every quarter.
To mark this occasion, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, took to his X to share a heartfelt note. In his message, His Highness wrote, “On International Youth Day, we celebrate the ambition and achievements of youth in fostering a better future for all.”
He also added, “Recognising their important role in our nation’s continued advancement, the UAE remains committed to empowering youth to serve as leaders in their communities and contribute to our collective progress.”
Meanwhile, Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in a statement, shared, “There is something about the way young people move through the world with the curiosity of what might be achieved, reminding us of our own first encounters with possibility. They may not always announce their impact, yet it happens in quiet but powerful ways, by challenging a habit, reimagining a process, or offering an idea no one thought to consider. Through their creativity, connection, and collaboration, they are redefining progress, making it more inclusive, inventive, and responsive to the challenges we face.”
The theme of this year’s International Youth Day, ‘Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,’ reflects what is already unfolding in the UAE and beyond.
“Across our cities, young people are transforming global challenges into local opportunities, weaving hope into policy and progress into the fabric of daily life. Whether it’s a student-led climate solution, a neighbourhood coding programme, or a grassroots art initiative, these are proof that innovation, when grounded in empathy, can transform entire systems from the ground up,” Her Highness added.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who saw the potential in me as I do in the youth of the UAE, once said: “Our value in life is defined by what we do.”
“On this International Youth Day, I see that same spirit reflected in our young people, in their courage to act, their creativity to imagine, and their determination to build a better future. Let us listen to them, invest in them, and walk alongside them, knowing that when youth lead, the world moves forward,” she concluded.
