UAE Youth As Active Partners In Shaping The Nation's Digital Future

Youth in the UAE are playing a pivotal role in shaping the nation's digital landscape, according to Khaled Al Nuaimi, Director of the Federal Youth Authority. He emphasised that young people are not just technology consumers but active partners in designing government services and the digital future.

Al Nuaimi spoke at the Empowering Digital Societies Summit in Dubai, organised by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). He highlighted that youth are highly engaged with AI tools and should be empowered to evolve from passive users to active contributors in developing solutions and services.

The Federal Youth Authority supports young individuals aged 15 to 35, equipping them with resources to become part of a system that enhances their future across various fields. Al Nuaimi noted there are over 200 youth councils across the UAE, including specialised ones focusing on sectors like humanitarian affairs and sustainability.

These councils play a crucial role in enabling youth to propose innovative ideas and solutions for challenges within their institutions and communities. Al Nuaimi stated, "These councils play a vital role in supporting youth, enabling them to propose innovative ideas and solutions to challenges faced within their institutions and communities."

Al Nuaimi believes AI offers a historic opportunity to cultivate a generation capable of influencing the future. He stressed that the challenge is not only keeping up with technological advances but also nurturing individuals with moral integrity alongside technical skills.

As AI automates more tasks, he highlighted the importance of focusing on soft skills such as adaptability, decision-making, and ethical AI use. Al Nuaimi remarked on the need for young people to learn responsible AI tool usage, ensuring data accuracy and critically assessing outputs rather than accepting them blindly.

In conclusion, Al Nuaimi underscored that empowering youth with both technical and soft skills is essential for their active participation in shaping a sustainable digital future. This approach ensures they can contribute effectively to society while adapting to technological advancements responsibly.

With inputs from WAM