emirates7 - In celebration of International Youth Day on August 12, the Dubai Youth Council, in partnership with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) Youth Council, organized the ‘Dubai Youth Lab’.
The event was attended by prominent figures including Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs; Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister for Foreign Trade; Abdulla Al Basti, Secretary General of The Executive Council of Dubai; Marwan bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality; Aisha Miran, Director General of KHDA; Mohammed Ali Rashid Lootah, Director General of Dubai Chambers; HE Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health; and Eman bin Khatem, CEO of the Policies and Programmes Sector at Dubai Government Human Resources, along with over 60 young participants from government, semi-government, and private organizations.
Held at the General Secretariat headquarters of The Executive Council, the initiative aimed to empower youth by harnessing their creativity and skills to develop solutions supporting government initiatives and strengthening key sectors in the UAE. The interactive format simulated real government decision-making processes, combining empowerment, innovation, and practical problem-solving.
Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi highlighted the importance of youth empowerment, stating that investing in young people is strategic and crucial for national development, security, and prosperity. He added that the Dubai Youth Lab provides a platform for young talents to collaborate with leaders, present ideas, and devise practical solutions that align with national priorities.
Abdulla Al Basti emphasized that under the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai has become a global hub for youth empowerment, offering leadership opportunities, funding innovative ideas, and integrating young people into decision-making processes. He described the Dubai Youth Lab as part of a wider ecosystem connecting government entities, economic sectors, and youth organizations to equip youth with leadership skills and strategic experience.
The event began with opening remarks, after which participants were divided into working groups. Each group received a “vital file” addressing a real government challenge, analyzed its causes, and proposed comprehensive solutions. These were then evaluated by a panel of experts for innovation, feasibility, and alignment with national priorities.
Aisha Miran noted that the Lab demonstrates the readiness and maturity of Dubai’s youth, producing actionable ideas that contribute to education, sustainability, digital transformation, and overall quality of life.
Reem Al Falasi, President of the Dubai Youth Council, stated that the initiative reflects Dubai’s commitment to enabling youth to shape their own future as decision-makers and changemakers. The Lab enhances understanding of government processes, develops policy analysis skills, and fosters direct dialogue between youth and leadership.
The six groups focused on key societal issues including the future of education, mental health, employment, aligning education with labor market needs, cultivating a training culture, and empowering non-university graduates. The Lab’s findings will be documented and shared with relevant authorities to inform future policies and programs.
The event was attended by prominent figures including Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs; Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister for Foreign Trade; Abdulla Al Basti, Secretary General of The Executive Council of Dubai; Marwan bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality; Aisha Miran, Director General of KHDA; Mohammed Ali Rashid Lootah, Director General of Dubai Chambers; HE Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health; and Eman bin Khatem, CEO of the Policies and Programmes Sector at Dubai Government Human Resources, along with over 60 young participants from government, semi-government, and private organizations.
Held at the General Secretariat headquarters of The Executive Council, the initiative aimed to empower youth by harnessing their creativity and skills to develop solutions supporting government initiatives and strengthening key sectors in the UAE. The interactive format simulated real government decision-making processes, combining empowerment, innovation, and practical problem-solving.
Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi highlighted the importance of youth empowerment, stating that investing in young people is strategic and crucial for national development, security, and prosperity. He added that the Dubai Youth Lab provides a platform for young talents to collaborate with leaders, present ideas, and devise practical solutions that align with national priorities.
Abdulla Al Basti emphasized that under the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai has become a global hub for youth empowerment, offering leadership opportunities, funding innovative ideas, and integrating young people into decision-making processes. He described the Dubai Youth Lab as part of a wider ecosystem connecting government entities, economic sectors, and youth organizations to equip youth with leadership skills and strategic experience.
The event began with opening remarks, after which participants were divided into working groups. Each group received a “vital file” addressing a real government challenge, analyzed its causes, and proposed comprehensive solutions. These were then evaluated by a panel of experts for innovation, feasibility, and alignment with national priorities.
Aisha Miran noted that the Lab demonstrates the readiness and maturity of Dubai’s youth, producing actionable ideas that contribute to education, sustainability, digital transformation, and overall quality of life.
Reem Al Falasi, President of the Dubai Youth Council, stated that the initiative reflects Dubai’s commitment to enabling youth to shape their own future as decision-makers and changemakers. The Lab enhances understanding of government processes, develops policy analysis skills, and fosters direct dialogue between youth and leadership.
The six groups focused on key societal issues including the future of education, mental health, employment, aligning education with labor market needs, cultivating a training culture, and empowering non-university graduates. The Lab’s findings will be documented and shared with relevant authorities to inform future policies and programs.