The UAE strengthens youth empowerment at national, Arab, global levels, intensifying its focus on developing the capabilities of its young population through structured programs that operate at multiple scales. According to the official UAE government platform, these efforts encompass national strategies designed to integrate youth into economic and social development. The National Youth Agenda 2031, approved by the Cabinet in 2024, sets clear targets including qualifying more than 100 young Emiratis for global organisations and ensuring full alignment of career pathways with labour market needs.
A PwC survey highlighted that 65 percent of youth in the Middle East maintain strong faith in their governments as drivers of positive change. This sentiment aligns with the UAE’s approach of placing youth at the center of policymaking since the appointment of its Minister of State for Youth Affairs in 2016. The agenda further seeks to place the UAE among the top 10 countries worldwide for youth quality of life, official figures show.
At the Arab level, the UAE has chaired the 49th Session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Youth and Sports, where it reaffirmed support for Arab integration through youth-focused activities. The session emphasised the role of sports in youth development and enhancing competitiveness among young Arabs. Initiatives through the Arab Youth Centre promote innovation and capacity building across the region, a government assessment found.
Globally, the UAE participates actively in United Nations forums, including through its Youth Delegates program and the creation of a Youth Climate Champion role during its COP28 presidency. These steps ensure young voices contribute to multilateral processes on issues ranging from climate to sustainable development. The country has positioned itself as a model for youth inclusion in international diplomacy, according to statements at the High-Level Political Forum.
The policy of youth empowerment in federal entities aims to strengthen the UAE’s framework on a global level while adopting measurement indices for progress. This includes leveraging advanced technologies and future skills training for young people. Health and quality of life improvements remain central pillars of the agenda.
Additional programs such as the National Volunteering Platform encourage youth participation in social causes, building leadership skills. Regional geopolitical contexts have further underscored the need for resilient youth equipped to handle supply-chain and economic challenges. The overall strategy reflects a long-term investment in human capital that supports the nation’s diversification goals.
