The Arab Youth Centre has established a comprehensive system dedicated to empowering young Arabs, focusing on understanding their evolving priorities, enhancing their skills, and connecting their energies with opportunities. This approach fosters their role as active partners in shaping solutions and contributing to developmental trajectories, ultimately crafting the future of the region.
Innovative Initiatives and Projects
To this end, the centre has developed 26 initiatives and projects that have benefitted thousands of young men and women across the Arab world. Supported by a network of 316 partners from governmental and private sectors, the centre has hosted over 2,170 events, transitioning youth from mere knowledge acquisition to impactful application.
Changing Aspirations of Young Arabs
This initiative aligns with the rapid transformations in the reality of Arab youth, whose aspirations now extend beyond traditional education or employment. They are now part of a broader ecosystem that encompasses health, quality of life, family, community security, alongside opportunities for continuous learning, participation, entrepreneurship, digital economy, and creative industries.
Survey Insights: Arab Youth Priorities
The second edition of the “Arab Youth Priorities Survey 2026,” conducted by the centre in collaboration with Ipsos, included responses from 6,260 young people aged 15 to 35 across 22 Arab countries. The survey revealed that healthcare emerged as the top priority, followed by quality education, family and relationships, job opportunities, and community security.
This survey provides a valuable database for governments, institutions, and researchers to understand the transformations in Arab youth interests, allowing for comparisons of priorities between 2020 and 2026 and facilitating the development of policies and initiatives based on real and evolving needs.
Youth in Technology and Entrepreneurship
In the realm of technology and the digital economy, the centre launched the fourth edition of the “Technical Fellowship for Arab Youth,” welcoming 23 youngsters from 8 Arab countries, in partnership with the Artificial Intelligence Office, Microsoft, and the Abu Dhabi Global Market Academy.
Additionally, the “Arab Youth Hackathon – Gaming Edition” brought together 50 young innovators from 10 Arab nations, organised in teams that simulated environments of professional game development studios, leading to the creation of original games inspired by Arab culture. The focus on technology and innovation is further heightened with partnerships in the space sector, exemplified by collaboration with the UAE Space Agency through the launch of the “Arab Youth Space Hackathon.”
Media Programmes and Skills Development
In the media sector, the “Young Arab Media Leaders Programme” continues to nurture a new generation of talents capable of blending professionalism with identity and social responsibility. The seventh edition concluded with the participation of 53 young individuals from 17 Arab countries, featuring training, field visits, and networking opportunities with experts and institutions.
Complementing this path is the “Arab Youth Podcast Training Programme,” aimed at enhancing research, writing, storytelling, and audio production skills, empowering youth to create Arabic content that adheres to professional standards.
Connecting Opportunities and Addressing Global Challenges
Initiatives such as “Arab Youth Entrepreneurs” and “Youth Solutions” serve to connect ideas and talents with institutions, investors, and markets. 26 startups participated in the seventh round of “Youth Solutions,” which focused on innovative industrial solutions.
The centre’s work also extends to critical issues like climate, water, and development through the “Arab Youth Council for Climate Change,” allowing youth to engage in discussions and environmental policies. The “Global Youth Envoys for Water” programme, launched in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aims to prepare 100 young people to contribute to water governance and participate in the 2026 United Nations Water Conference in Abu Dhabi.
Preparing for a Digital Future
As digital transformation accelerates with the spread of artificial intelligence and the changing landscape of jobs, the centre focuses on equipping youth with the skills needed for the future, blending technical and humanistic skills.
Key competencies include awareness of artificial intelligence, data analysis, cybersecurity, responsible technology use, analytical and creative thinking, adaptability, continuous learning, leadership, communication, negotiation, and working within interdisciplinary teams.
Regional Expansion and the Importance of Partnerships
Regional expansion and partnerships are central to the centre’s vision, exemplified by the establishment of the Arab Youth Centre in Jordan, marking the first institutional expansion outside the UAE. This initiative enables Jordanian and Arab youth to access specialised programmes in leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, technology, and future skills.
The ongoing efforts of the Arab Youth Centre affirm that investing in youth transcends mere employment preparation; it is about empowering them to create opportunities, actively participate in setting priorities, design solutions, and contribute to shaping policies.