The United Arab Emirates firmly believes that youth are its most valuable asset and that the foundation for building a prosperous future lies in empowering and supporting young people, ensuring their active participation, and enhancing their leadership spirit. To this end, the state launched several initiatives and strategies to strengthen the national identity of young people and foster a sense of belonging. Notably, the appointment of Shamma Al Mazrui as Minister of State for Youth at the age of 22 made her the youngest minister in the world. Confirming the UAE's success in empowering and supporting youth locally and regionally, the UAE has ranked as the top preferred country for Arab youth to live in for nine consecutive years, according to the Arab Youth Survey 2020.
#### Interactive Youth Lab
Among the key initiatives launched by the UAE government to support and empower youth is the Interactive Youth Lab, introduced by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority. This innovative initiative aims to enhance the role of youth by involving them in the decision-making process and policy development through an interactive method that begins with addressing a specific issue or topic. This is followed by a brainstorming session where a group of young people propose their solutions and ideas, after which they vote on the best ideas that will be adopted, developed, and implemented practically.
#### Federal Youth Foundation
In 2018, the UAE Cabinet approved the establishment of the Federal Youth Foundation to connect youth with government authorities. The principle followed is "by youth, for youth, and with youth participation." The vision of the Federal Youth Foundation is to be the best model for investing in youth to serve their nation and carry the flag of the future. This establishment is part of the government's efforts to adopt youth initiatives and activities, enhancing their leadership spirit at both legislative and executive levels. The foundation supervises youth councils, youth centers, and various youth-related initiatives and programs. It also pursues the national youth agenda and ways to achieve its goals by coordinating with government entities and relevant private sector institutions.
During the cabinet reshuffle in 2020, the youth sector was merged with the Ministry of Culture, changing the ministry's name to the Ministry of Culture and Youth, led by Noura Al Kaabi as Minister of Culture and Youth and Shamma Al Mazrui as Minister of State for Youth Affairs, who also chairs the Federal Youth Foundation's board.
#### National Youth Agenda
The UAE launched the National Youth Agenda to create a generation of productive youth characterized by initiative and leadership, embodying Emirati values. The agenda aims to create an appropriate environment that helps Emirati youth achieve their aspirations and full potential, enhancing their entrepreneurial spirit and making them role models for positive influence worldwide.
#### Youth Policies
The UAE government has implemented several policies to engage youth in all sectors at all levels of governance and decision-making, integrating them into the national strategy as partners and key players in realizing the state's development plan. In June 2019, the cabinet issued a decree mandating the inclusion of Emirati youth members in the boards of directors of government entities and companies, with at least one member aged 30 or younger. The government also launched a dedicated online platform following the cabinet to provide an opportunity for Emirati youth to register and apply through the website.
On February 3, 2020, the cabinet approved the selection of 33 youth candidates for membership in the boards of directors of federal entities to enhance youth participation in developing solutions for various national issues. Youth membership in government boards lasts for two to three years, and members will receive all incentives and privileges provided to other board members. They will also undergo an intensive training program in government work to become active board members, working on innovative solutions to national issues and ensuring opportunities for youth across all levels.
#### Youth Councils
In 2017, the UAE government established youth councils as the first unique initiative to ensure the representation of youth perspectives and address their needs at all stages of government decision-making. These councils aim to nurture young leadership by giving them the opportunity to participate in decision-making, policy formulation, and project development. The youth councils serve as platforms through which young people can manage projects in their areas of specialization across the various emirates. The system of youth councils plays a pivotal role in implementing the UAE's national youth strategy.
Five youth councils have been formed to serve as key models for governing volunteer work in numerous youth initiatives and engagements, including the UAE Youth Council, local youth councils, global youth councils, ministerial youth councils, and institutional youth councils.
#### Youth Housing Policy
On June 2, 2020, the cabinet approved a youth education policy on the basics of housing construction, aimed at informing youth about all stages of building their homes. The policy mandates that all youth (aged 18-35) applying for housing support from federal and local housing programs must complete a course on the fundamentals of housing construction as a primary requirement for housing support.
#### UAE and Arab Youth
In 2017, during the Global Government Summit, the UAE announced the launch of the Arab Youth Center, which serves as a regional hub for youth in the UAE, supporting the development of youth capabilities and fostering innovation and creativity in the Arab world. The center implements various initiatives across sectors and conducts research among Arab youth to assist policymakers in creating youth-friendly policies. It manages over 25 initiatives annually, connecting youth with specialists across different fields and opening pathways to higher education, helping them start their businesses, and much more.
