The Ministry of Sports has selected Fujairah to host the Emirates Summer festival, according to a report by the Emirates News Agency. The event forms part of ongoing initiatives to encourage physical activity and skill-building among young residents. A University College London thesis published in 2024 on UAE national youth development policies described the Emirates Summer Youth Academy model as one that brings together experts and youth to build skills and capabilities.
The Federal Youth Authority was established in 2016 to institutionalise the youth sector, the same thesis noted, with the Ministry of Sports later assuming a combined remit for sports and youth affairs. This structure has supported a range of summer programs across the country. Similar events have featured workshops on topics including artificial intelligence and robotics, as seen in participant accounts from related activities posted on social media platforms.
Fujairah’s selection aligns with a pattern of decentralising such festivals beyond major urban centers, the youth policy document indicated. The ministry has coordinated with entities like the Federal Youth Authority on previous editions of summer programming. These festivals typically aim to maintain engagement during the summer period when regular schooling is not in session.
UAE government statistics referenced in the 2024 thesis place more than half the population under the age of 30, underscoring the priority given to youth-focused initiatives. The Ministry of Sports has expanded its role in this area following a 2020 government reshuffle that integrated the Federal Youth Authority into its portfolio. Organizers plan to incorporate both sports and educational elements into the Fujairah program.
The announcement reflects continued investment in youth development policies that began gaining momentum in the mid-2010s, according to the University College London analysis. Local sports clubs in Fujairah are expected to play a role in delivering festival activities. Further details on specific dates and the full schedule will be released by the ministry in coming weeks.
