Young Arab Leaders Forum Highlights UAE Commitment To Youth Empowerment And Leadership Development
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum attended the Young Arab Leaders Forum, held as part of the pre-event programme for the World Governments Summit 2026. The gathering brought together Arab figures from economic development, entrepreneurship, government leadership, sports, culture and the arts to discuss youth-focused priorities.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation, highlighted that hosting the Forum shows Dubai’s and the UAE’s continued backing for Arab youth.
According to H.H. Sheikh Hamdan, the Young Arab Leaders Forum underlines a strategy that centres on human capital. The approach aims to build leadership skills, strengthen the contribution of young people to development, and support their role in shaping the future, while staying aligned with ongoing economic and technological changes across the region.
During the event, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan reviewed the Forum’s main themes and exchanges. Sessions examined the current situation of Arab youth, assessed the most pressing challenges and future prospects, and considered how emerging leaders can take part in developing Arab societies and improving preparedness for future shifts.
The Young Arab Leaders Forum agenda included keynote speeches and panel discussions featuring 15 speakers. They presented perspectives on the realities facing Arab youth and the opportunities available. Participants also discussed obstacles confronting young people and assessed practical solutions to help them manage upcoming transformations while building skills for the future.
The Young Arab Leaders network now has more than 700 young Arab men and women from across the region. The network seeks to support meaningful dialogue on empowering Arab youth in multiple sectors and to channel their abilities and potential towards the progress of their communities.
With inputs from WAM

