Sheikh Nahyan Champions AI Empowerment For Emirati Youth In New MoU

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Chairman of Sandooq Al Watan, oversaw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Sandooq Al Watan and the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications Office. The MoU aims to develop initiatives that strengthen national identity and empower Emirati youth across various sectors.

Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, highlighted the importance of building national talent in AI technologies. He noted that this is crucial for fostering an innovation-driven society and achieving the goals outlined in the UAE’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031.

Sheikh Nahyan emphasised the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing Sandooq Al Watan’s initiatives. He highlighted the importance of utilising AI to design training programs that build essential national skills, foster innovation, and support entrepreneurship. This collaboration will also develop interactive AI-driven platforms aimed at deepening youth engagement with Emirati values and promoting national identity.

The MoU was signed by Dr. Abdulrahman Al Mahmoud from the Artificial Intelligence Office and Yasser Al Gergawi from Sandooq Al Watan. Following the signing, Sheikh Nahyan reaffirmed Sandooq Al Watan’s openness to partnerships with both public and private institutions. He underscored the organisation’s commitment to advancing UAE’s youth in line with President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's strategic vision.

Yasser Al Gergawi emphasised the importance of AI technologies in enhancing the capabilities of Emirati youth. He highlighted Sandooq Al Watan’s commitment to integrating AI applications into its training programs. These efforts aim to better prepare young Emiratis for the labour market, support their entrepreneurial ventures, and strengthen their national identity.

Strategic Collaboration

Al Olama described the collaboration with Sandooq Al Watan as a strategic partnership designed to strengthen national capabilities. The partnership aims to empower Emirati youth with skills required to lead in the future through innovative initiatives focused on education, entrepreneurship, and national identity.

Sheikh Nahyan explained how the partnership will facilitate AI-related consultations and introduce entrepreneurs to advanced AI tools. This will improve project management and operational efficiency while addressing employment challenges by identifying AI-driven job opportunities.

He stressed the significance of harnessing AI technologies to further promote Emirati values. This includes developing AI-powered awareness campaigns and interactive workshops aimed at reinforcing national identity among youth. Sheikh Nahyan expressed optimism that this partnership will deliver tangible benefits for UAE's sons and daughters.

The collaboration will also address employment challenges by identifying AI-driven job opportunities and analysing market needs to better prepare Emirati youth for future workforce demands. Sheikh Nahyan praised the Ministry for its dedication to supporting Sandooq Al Watan’s initiatives.

The MoU represents a significant enhancement of Sandooq Al Watan’s capacity to provide vital support in this field. It ensures that the nation's youth are equipped to excel in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

With inputs from WAM