Gulf Bridges: Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Attends Closing Ceremony Of Gulf Youth Leadership Programme
H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, attended the closing ceremony of the second session of the "Gulf Bridges – The Gulf Programme for Youth Leaders". The event marked the end of activities held from 21st to 25th December at the regional headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation in Sharjah.
During the closing moments, H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed honoured the General Secretariat of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf. Delegation heads and all youth participants also received recognition for their involvement. The Deputy Ruler then joined attendees and organisers for group photographs, creating a visual record of the programme’s second session.
The "Gulf Bridges – The Gulf Programme for Youth Leaders" is organised by Sharjah Youth and Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah. It operates under the umbrella of Rubu’ Qarn for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators, in partnership with the General Secretariat of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf. The initiative targets informed Gulf youth leadership and reinforces collaborative work.
The programme’s structure combined specialised workshops with practical field visits. These activities were designed to strengthen leadership abilities and build confidence among participants from Gulf states. Sessions also encouraged dialogue and networking, helping young people interact across borders and share ideas. A video screened during the ceremony documented these experiences and highlighted major milestones over the four programme days.
Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director General of Rubu’ Qarn, thanked H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed for attending and for consistent support of youth initiatives. She highlighted that Rubu’ Qarn’s programmes reflect the vision of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and his wife, which focuses on human development and investing in the capabilities of individuals across society.
Sheikha Jawaher explained that finishing "Gulf Bridges" signals the start of a longer intellectual journey for participants. She stressed that real bridges are defined by exchanged ideas, raised awareness, and a deeper sense of duty among youth. She also underlined that experience, work, and responsibility drive personal growth, while genuine opportunities help young people test decisions and value diversity as enrichment for Gulf relations.
Representing the youth, Hamad Al Hashemi from the UAE delegation described the Gulf Bridges programme as a powerful learning experience rather than a short gathering. Al Hashemi said it created an active space for sharing knowledge and exploring identity. Al Hashemi pointed out that leadership demands awareness and responsibility, and that connections among Gulf societies go beyond geographic borders and formal structures.
Al Hashemi added that bridges were built between minds and ambitions as well as between nations. These links supported common goals of prosperity, sustainability, and compassion across the Gulf region. The overall programme, held in Sharjah from 21st to 25th December, aligned with Rubu’ Qarn’s wider effort to prepare future leaders and matched the aspirations of youth in all Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
With inputs from WAM
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