Sharjah’s Department of Economic Development has concluded its “Young Economist” programme, an initiative designed to strengthen economic awareness and financial skills among younger generations, helping prepare them for the demands of the future economic environment.
The participants were honoured by His Excellency Hamed Ali Abdullah Al Mahmud, Chairman of the Department of Economic Development and member of the Sharjah Executive Council, who reviewed their projects and stressed that the “Young Economist” programme reflects Sharjah’s vision as an incubator and enabler for discovering talent and refining the skills of children and young people, under the care and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.
Building financial and entrepreneurial skills
The programme was organised to deliver a number of strategic objectives, most notably developing participants’ financial planning and budgeting skills, while also connecting them with a real workplace environment inside the department. This approach helped deepen their understanding of how institutional work operates and the mechanisms that underpin it.
It also introduced participants to the basic concepts of economics and entrepreneurship, while equipping them with effective communication, presentation and public-speaking skills, and encouraging teamwork. Together, these elements supported the development of leadership personalities capable of innovation and responsibility.
Interactive learning inside the department
The programme featured a series of interactive workshops and varied practical activities that gave participants the chance to learn through experience. They also visited several of the department’s directorates and sections, gaining insight into their roles in supporting the business environment and advancing economic development in the emirate.
Mini-market concludes the programme
At the end of the programme, a mini-market titled “Sikka Al Tujjar” was held, during which participants presented the projects they had developed throughout the programme. This gave them the opportunity to apply the skills they had acquired in a practical setting, while the participating projects were assessed according to specific criteria including innovation, presentation methods and teamwork. The activity reinforced a spirit of healthy competition and helped embed economic concepts in a practical way.
The Sharjah Department of Economic Development said that initiatives of this kind stem from its belief in the importance of investing in people, and its commitment to developing young capabilities and enhancing their financial and economic awareness in line with the emirate’s aspirations for a sustainable economy based on knowledge and innovation. The department also praised the level of engagement shown by the participants, affirming its continued commitment to launching quality initiatives that help build a skilled generation ready for the future.