The Dubai Youth Retreat highlights the creative potential of Emirati youth in reimagining the future of the UAE.

In the presence of H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, the Dubai Youth Council organized the Dubai Youth Retreat. The event saw the participation of notable figures from diverse domains. Among the esteemed attendees were Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs; Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications; Abdullah Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary-General of Dubai Executive Council; Hala Badri, Director-General of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture); Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director-General of the Dubai Government Human Resources Department; and Dherar Belhoul Al Falasi, Director-General of the Watani Al Emarat Foundation. Also in attendance were over 80 young men and women from the youth councils in the emirate, as well as a number of experts in the fields of economy, innovation, space, culture, and community service.

The retreat, sponsored by Dubai Culture, aims to support and enhance the capabilities of youth in leadership, creativity, economy, and society. It also motivates them to develop innovative solutions for future societal challenges. Hosted at the Etihad Museum, the retreat provided a strategic platform for fostering communication between youth, leaders, decision-makers, and experts from various fields in Dubai's government departments and institutions. The forum promoted the exchange of experiences and ideas, aligning with Dubai's vision to invest in its youth, prepare and qualify them for the future, and actively involve them in shaping it - contributing to Dubai's global leadership position.

H.H. Sheikha Latifa emphasized that the Dubai Youth Retreat aligns with Dubai's forward-looking approach and commitment to fostering creativity and innovation. She highlighted that the retreat represents an ambitious dialogue showcasing the creative thinking, innovative vision, and ability of the UAE's youth to effect positive change in their communities and nation. She expressed that the retreat is an investment in tomorrow and a stepping stone towards a bright and sustainable future, driven by the ambitions of our youth.

Sheikha Latifa added, "This retreat embodies the integration of roles necessary to achieve Dubai's vision of supporting innovation. Its significance lies in building genuine partnerships between youth and decision-makers across various sectors, which are vital tools in achieving the sustainable development goals we strive for."

In conjunction with the launch of the National Youth Agenda 2031, Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi commented, "Youth are the foundation of development and the cornerstone for building a prosperous and sustainable future. The wise leadership has always believed in investing in their energies and guiding them towards innovation and creativity in various fields. We constantly strive to provide an enabling environment that allows them to achieve their aspirations and develop their abilities, as they are the leaders of tomorrow who will carry the responsibility of continuing the pioneering achievements witnessed by the UAE."

Al Neyadi added, "The Dubai Youth Retreat has reinforced the values of leadership and innovation among ambitious Emirati youth, strengthening their role in decision-making to shape a bright future for Dubai and the UAE as a whole. This initiative is a result of the efforts that began with the first youth retreat in 2016, followed by the 2024 retreat, which laid the foundation for the launch of the National Youth Agenda 2031. Each of these initiatives has provided a clear vision for the future of youth and represented a significant turning point toward achieving the sustainable development goals."
Hala Badri highlighted the significance of empowering, guiding, and supporting the youth in achieving their aspirations and turning their dreams into reality. She emphasized that the youth are the hope of the present and future, a driving force for innovation, and a source of inspiration. She stated that the leadership has invested in the youth, recognizing their diverse ideas, skills, and values of contribution in all fields.

She further discussed how the Dubai Youth Retreat aids in communication and provides guidance to young individuals by fostering an environment of creativity and excellence. The program included brainstorming sessions and workshops focusing on the impact of youth in driving positive change and their role in the development process.

The retreat addressed various themes such as the need to develop young skills in the economy and trade sector, ways to encourage creativity and innovation, preparation of youth in the military sector, inspiring youth to participate in scientific research within the space and future theme, and the role of the youth in promoting cultural diversity and community service.

Hassan Sabt, President of the Dubai Youth Council, expressed the retreat's importance in enhancing the role of youth in Dubai's development and innovation journey. He emphasized the retreat's role in empowering youth and providing them with the necessary skills in leadership, innovation, economy, and social domains. He also described the outcomes of the retreat and the launch of dialogue platforms for young people to discuss various issues of interest.

Ultimately, the Dubai Youth Retreat concluded with the launch of dialogue platforms, showcasing innovative ideas and solutions contributed by the youth to Dubai's development and progress.