Sheikh Rashid Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Municipality and Planning Department in Ajman and Vice Chairman of the Arab Youth Center, emphasized that empowering Arab youth in the digital sector is essential for fostering a prosperous and innovative economy. He noted that young individuals possess the potential to emerge as future leaders in modern technology.
He stated that, in light of the new opportunities and challenges presented by digital transformations, the UAE believes that youth are pivotal in driving innovation and developing solutions. He highlighted that partnerships founded on mutual benefit will enhance the preparedness of future generations in the region, whether through specialized education or the creation of supportive environments for innovation and entrepreneurship. He expressed his hope that ongoing dialogue would stimulate creativity and inspire young minds to explore opportunities and prepare for the future.
This took place during the hosting by Sheikh Rashid Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi Council of a Ramadan evening organized by the Arab Youth Center, titled “Youth and Digital Industries.” The event was attended by His Excellency Dr. Sultan Alneyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Vice Chairman of the Arab Youth Center, along with a select of distinguished youth, experts, and decision-makers.
The evening addressed the prospects for Arab youth amidst the swift advancements in digital technology and the various opportunities that these developments present in emerging tech sectors. It highlighted significant research findings from the Arab Youth Center in collaboration with The Economist Impact, indicating that approximately 127 million Arab youth are expected to enter the labour market by 2040, which necessitates a focus on equipping them with digital skills and ensuring they can adapt to the rapid transformations occurring in the global job market.
- E. Dr. Sultan Alneyadi said that the rapid changes create unparalleled opportunities for innovation and participation in the knowledge economy, underscoring the need for genuine preparation to combat digital illiteracy, foster environments conducive to digital entrepreneurship, and adapt traditional job roles with skills that align with future demands.
He further noted that the Arab Youth Center is dedicated to linking young individuals with global trends in various developmental pathways by leveraging partnerships with both public and private sector institutions. This initiative aims to inspire youth to transition from being mere consumers of technology to becoming developers and from being passive recipients of change to active architects of the future, through a comprehensive approach that integrates capacity building, opportunity exploration, and talent incubation.
The discussion also centred on the roles that governments and corporations can play in fostering supportive work environments for youth, as well as in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship within the digital sector. The dialogue was facilitated by Khalid Abdul Majid Al Awar, a participant in the Young Arab Pioneers program focused on artificial intelligence and technology. Participants collectively emphasized the critical importance of preparing Arab youth for emerging digital domains and enhancing their adaptability to technological advancements.
In this context, Marwan Zeineddine, the Managing Director of SAP, Khalid Bin Hadi, the Managing Director of Siemens Energy UAE, and Hani Nofal, the Vice President for Middle East and Europe at Advance Solutions Corp., emphasized the critical need to empower Arab youth within the digital sector and to equip them with the necessary qualifications to adapt to the swift advancements in this area.
This evening is part of the Arab Youth Center’s ongoing initiatives to bolster the involvement of young individuals in technology and innovation, facilitating their acquisition of skills that will enable them to make a meaningful impact in their communities. The Center prioritizes digital transformation, striving to connect Arab youth with the latest global trends and preparing them for leadership roles in the digital economy and advanced technology sectors.
