Federal Youth Authority Launches Programme To Train Emirati Youth As Financial Advisors

The Federal Youth Authority (FYA), in partnership with the Central Bank of the UAE and the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), has introduced the 'Youth Financial Advisors programme'. This initiative is designed to equip young Emiratis with expertise in financial literacy. The programme aims to enhance financial decision-making, encourage savings and investments, and educate youth on leveraging investment opportunities within the UAE market.

Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, UAE Minister of State for Youth Affairs, stated: "The UAE’s wise leadership has long prioritised empowering Emirati youth and arming them with the necessary values and mindset to be active members of the community – a commitment that stems from the leadership’s firm belief that the youth are the backbone of sustainable economic growth. And with that in mind, enhancing young people’s know-how and skillset across various sectors becomes an imperative necessity for moulding a generation of future leaders, capable of playing effective and meaningful roles in the efforts to turn the nation’s aspirations into reality."

Launched under the 'Economy' pillar of the National Youth Agenda 2031, this programme is part of the Emirates Youth Professional School initiative. It seeks to raise financial awareness among young Emiratis, guiding them towards financial independence. The programme encourages research and adoption of best practices in financial advisory both locally and internationally.

Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE, remarked: "Guided by the UAE wise leadership’s vision to empower the youth to be agents of change in the country’s financial sector, the Central Bank of the UAE continues to intensify its efforts to drive financial inclusion and enhance financial awareness and literacy in the wider community."

The programme consists of seven core pillars: fundamentals of financial literacy, monetary economics, entrepreneurial finance, investment strategies, regulatory systems, content creation, and training skills. These elements aim to advance participants' knowledge while developing practical skills among youth advisors. The initiative also supports their journey towards achieving financial independence.

Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi, CEO of SCA, expressed: "We are delighted to be cooperating with the Federal Youth Authority on launching the ‘Youth Financial Advisors programme', which demonstrates the Authority’s vision for the future and its objectives to support Youth national talent, equipping them with advanced financial knowledge and skills."

Interactive Learning Experience

The programme blends theoretical learning with practical experience through over 30 hours of education across four months. Activities include workshops dealing with real-world finance applications, visits to local and international institutions for hands-on exposure, and a hackathon fostering innovative solutions. Participants also benefit from professional placements for practical training.

Al Awadhi continued: "Investing in Emirati youth is a direct investment in the future of our national economy; they are engines of innovation and sustainable development in the financial sector." This initiative empowers new advisors who can adapt to global trends while offering smart solutions that promote economic efficiency.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be UAE nationals aged 25-32 with relevant university degrees or equivalent experience. They should have at least one year’s experience in related fields or three years if lacking specific academic qualifications. Strong communication skills are essential alongside proficiency in Arabic and English.

Upon completion, participants receive certifications from FYA as well as recognition from SCA as registered Financial Influencers. They also become certified Financial Literacy Trainers by CBUAE. These credentials boost their prospects in advisory roles within finance sectors.

The programme encourages social contribution by having trained advisors volunteer their knowledge within communities. This approach helps build a network of qualified trainers who can conduct effective awareness programmes nationwide.

With inputs from WAM