Arab youth meeting in Dubai launches new economy leadership program

The fifth Arab Meeting for Young Leaders opened Monday in Dubai, launching a new economy program aimed at empowering youth across the region.

The meeting was held in the presence of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, crown prince of Dubai, deputy prime minister and minister of defense of the United Arab Emirates, and chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai.

The event was held under the patronage of Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, deputy chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Families Affairs and chairman of the Arab Youth Center, according to the state-run WAM news agency.

The gathering featured a series of interactive sessions highlighting the achievements of Arab youth and showcasing initiatives that transformed individual ideas into lasting impact.

These initiatives spanned development, innovation, creative industries, advanced technologies and science.

In a welcome address, Dr Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, minister of state for youth affairs and vice chairman of the Arab Youth Centre, said the meeting reflects a shift from initiatives to lasting impact.

He emphasized the role of Arab youth in turning ideas into models that support development and shape the future in partnership with decision-makers.

Ahmed Aboul Gheit, secretary-general of the League of Arab States, described the meeting as a growing platform for empowering youth, developing their skills and expanding their positive impact.

He said the gathering comes at a time of rapid global change, with established norms being questioned, institutions reassessed and nations competing to ensure the well-being and security of their people.

Fatima Al Hallami, CEO of the Arab Youth Centre, highlighted efforts to empower youth by connecting their priorities to real opportunities in leadership, innovation and the new economy.

She announced the launch of the Arab Youth Leaders in the New Economy Program, which aims to prepare young leaders to navigate economic changes, anticipate future markets and drive growth with governance and sustainability in mind.

The event also showcased achievements of Arab youth in leadership, innovation, science and the creative economy.

Through interactive panels, alumni success stories and initiatives such as the Satellite 813 project and digital gaming ventures, participants explored how individual ideas can generate lasting institutional impact.

During the meeting, the Arab Youth Space Hackathon was unveiled in collaboration with the UAE Space Agency and the Arab Space Cooperation Group.

The Arab Meeting for Young Leaders serves as a platform for collaboration among entities focused on empowering Arab youth across diverse developmental pathways.

It highlights best practices and innovative ideas while acting as a launchpad for regional initiatives aimed at building capacity, developing skills and creating enabling environments.