emirates7 - H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has announced the formation of the Board of Directors for the 'Young Arab Leaders' initiative. The newly appointed board comprises 11 prominent Arab figures from various fields, tasked with advancing the initiative's mission.
“These leaders will oversee the initiative’s growth in the next phase, drive its projects to completion, expand the network’s membership, and attract top emerging Arab talent,” said Sheikh Hamdan. “Their goal is to enable these individuals to contribute meaningfully to the future of Arab societies.”
Sheikh Hamdan highlighted that the initiative, established 20 years ago, reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. It underscores Sheikh Mohammed’s belief in the Arab youth’s ability to shape the region’s future. The initiative aims to cultivate future leaders capable of supporting the Arab world’s developmental ambitions while preserving its cultural and historical legacies.
“We envision this platform as a means to help Arab youth achieve their dreams and aspirations,” Sheikh Hamdan added. “It seeks to rekindle the golden age of the Arab world, where science, culture, technology, and intellectual achievements flourished. By empowering these young leaders, we aim to inspire transformative change across Arab societies for a brighter future.”
He elaborated on Sheikh Mohammed’s philosophy, stating, “The Arab region, with its 200 million young people, represents 200 million opportunities for progress. These youth are our greatest asset, and we must invest in their potential by building their skills, creating opportunities, and providing comprehensive platforms for empowerment. Their active engagement is essential to driving progress, stability, and prosperity.”
Sheikh Hamdan also expressed optimism about the initiative’s future, anticipating significant achievements through its skill-building programs and opportunities for young Arabs to showcase their innovative talents across various domains.
The Young Arab Leaders initiative, recognized as the largest of its kind, focuses on nurturing Arab youth by promoting entrepreneurship, fostering a forward-looking mindset, and emphasizing the importance of knowledge. This approach supports the broader development goals of the region.
Khalfan Juma Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, will chair the Board of Directors. Other board members include esteemed individuals such as Sheikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa (Bahrain), Dr. Tamam Menko (Jordan), Fahad AlGhanim (Kuwait), Aïssata Lam (Mauritania), Ibrahim Mohtaseb (Saudi Arabia), Mona Ataya (Palestine), Basil El-Baz (Egypt), Yazen Altimimi (Iraq), Nasser Al-Khater (Qatar), and Sami Daud (Oman). Fatma Rashid Bujsaim has been appointed as the initiative’s Secretary-General.
The initiative aims to engage 50,000 participants in the coming years and develop impactful projects and ideas in collaboration with Arab youth. It will also establish a robust network of influential business leaders and experts to mentor and guide young Arabs, leveraging the expertise of its members to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders.
“These leaders will oversee the initiative’s growth in the next phase, drive its projects to completion, expand the network’s membership, and attract top emerging Arab talent,” said Sheikh Hamdan. “Their goal is to enable these individuals to contribute meaningfully to the future of Arab societies.”
Sheikh Hamdan highlighted that the initiative, established 20 years ago, reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. It underscores Sheikh Mohammed’s belief in the Arab youth’s ability to shape the region’s future. The initiative aims to cultivate future leaders capable of supporting the Arab world’s developmental ambitions while preserving its cultural and historical legacies.
“We envision this platform as a means to help Arab youth achieve their dreams and aspirations,” Sheikh Hamdan added. “It seeks to rekindle the golden age of the Arab world, where science, culture, technology, and intellectual achievements flourished. By empowering these young leaders, we aim to inspire transformative change across Arab societies for a brighter future.”
He elaborated on Sheikh Mohammed’s philosophy, stating, “The Arab region, with its 200 million young people, represents 200 million opportunities for progress. These youth are our greatest asset, and we must invest in their potential by building their skills, creating opportunities, and providing comprehensive platforms for empowerment. Their active engagement is essential to driving progress, stability, and prosperity.”
Sheikh Hamdan also expressed optimism about the initiative’s future, anticipating significant achievements through its skill-building programs and opportunities for young Arabs to showcase their innovative talents across various domains.
The Young Arab Leaders initiative, recognized as the largest of its kind, focuses on nurturing Arab youth by promoting entrepreneurship, fostering a forward-looking mindset, and emphasizing the importance of knowledge. This approach supports the broader development goals of the region.
Khalfan Juma Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, will chair the Board of Directors. Other board members include esteemed individuals such as Sheikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa (Bahrain), Dr. Tamam Menko (Jordan), Fahad AlGhanim (Kuwait), Aïssata Lam (Mauritania), Ibrahim Mohtaseb (Saudi Arabia), Mona Ataya (Palestine), Basil El-Baz (Egypt), Yazen Altimimi (Iraq), Nasser Al-Khater (Qatar), and Sami Daud (Oman). Fatma Rashid Bujsaim has been appointed as the initiative’s Secretary-General.
The initiative aims to engage 50,000 participants in the coming years and develop impactful projects and ideas in collaboration with Arab youth. It will also establish a robust network of influential business leaders and experts to mentor and guide young Arabs, leveraging the expertise of its members to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders.