On the occasion of World Mental Health Day, observed annually on 10th October, the Arab Youth Centre has revealed significant findings from its study titled “Mental Health of Arab Youth: A Development Framework for Readiness and Wellbeing 2026.” The study reveals that a striking 94.8% of participants view mental health as a collective responsibility, encompassing educational institutions, work environments, families, and the youth themselves.
Insights from the Study
The research was grounded in a comprehensive survey that included 100 young individuals from various Arab countries, supplemented by 11 discussion sessions involving around 107 youth, and six in-depth interviews with Arab experts. The outcomes indicate that an impressive 97.4% of participants associate feelings of safety and psychological stability with enhanced creativity, initiative, and the willingness to explore new ideas. Additionally, 95.7% believe that good mental health directly fuels achievement.
The Importance of Supportive Environments
Engineer Fatima Al Hilami, Executive Director of the Arab Youth Centre, emphasized that discussing youth readiness for the future cannot occur in isolation from the circumstances that empower them to build this future with confidence. She highlighted that access to education and job opportunities, the clarity of career paths, and supportive environments are all interconnected with young people’s mental health and their ability to realise their ambitions.
Investing in Human Potential
Al Hilami added that the United Arab Emirates’ approach prioritises investment in human capital as the cornerstone of sustainable development. Empowering youth and focusing on their quality of life lies at the heart of this strategy. In line with this vision, the Arab Youth Centre collaborates with regional partners to enhance the integration of institutions and develop supportive programmes and opportunities that enable youth to make decisions, take initiative, and actively participate in the development of their communities.