Dubai: H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), attended the first edition of the Young Arab Leaders Forum, held as part of the pre-event activities for the World Governments Summit 2025.
According to Emirates News Agency, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan reaffirmed the pivotal role of Arab youth in shaping the region's future, underscoring the importance of empowerment programmes, capacity-building, opportunities, and funding to unlock their full potential. He stressed that, with the right support, young Arab leaders can drive sustainable economic and social development across the region.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan noted the significance of the 'Young Arab Leaders' initiative, launched nearly two decades ago by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aiming to nurture a new generation of leaders equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience. The forum, featuring over 200 officials, experts, and emerging Arab leaders, reflects confidence in the youth's potential to advance strategic visions, shape future policies, and contribute to a stable and prosperous future.
The event included keynote addresses, panel discussions, and interactive sessions focusing on youth leadership, economic development, diplomacy, and innovation. Khalfan Belhoul, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the 'Young Arab Leaders' initiative, emphasized Arab youth as the region's greatest asset and identified five transformative sectors: artificial intelligence, the data economy, green technology, biotechnology and personalized medicine, and sustainable agriculture.
Marzouq Al-Ghanim, Former Speaker of the National Assembly of Kuwait, highlighted the importance of preparing young leaders for modern challenges, stressing resilience, adaptability, and critical thinking. He also addressed the role of media in youth empowerment, urging strategic engagement to amplify Arab voices globally.
Sheikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Bahrain's Minister of Finance and National Economy, discussed integrating youth into the economy, emphasizing the need for infrastructure, digitization, and hands-on experience. He noted that today's Arab youth are well-positioned for success due to investments in education and healthcare.
During discussions on youth leadership and entrepreneurship, Hussain Sajwani, Founder and Chairman of DAMAC Properties, called for early action, hard work, and lifelong learning, urging governments to adopt AI for economic resilience. Other speakers highlighted flexibility, perseverance, and access to venture capital as key drivers of success, advocating for scalable business models and sustainable growth.
Omar Ghobash, UAE Ambassador to the Holy See, highlighted the role of youth leadership in Arab diplomacy and their contribution to global engagement. He attributed the UAE's diplomatic success to agility, resilience, and teamwork, emphasizing efficient resource utilization and government-society collaboration.
The forum also explored youth leadership in sports, arts, and culture. The session on Arab sports leadership featured notable athletes, discussing sports as a platform for youth empowerment and regional collaboration. Another session on arts and culture highlighted the role of creative industries in fostering innovation and preserving heritage.
The event concluded with a keynote by Rania Al-Mashat, Egypt's Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, reflecting on the strategic role of youth in shaping the Arab world's future.