In a recent tweet on X, the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan hailed the youth of the country, saying they are the “strength, energy, ambition and wealth of our nation”.  

And rightly so, the youth are indeed our nation’s greatest treasure. At the forefront of nurturing a competitive knowledge economy in the UAE, they are our partners in progress and the flagbearers of the nation’s economic diversification.

Therefore, investing in youth, boosting their capabilities and developing their potential are key priorities for the country. Education, by far, is the most important route to achieve this. It serves as the cornerstone for developing talent and unlocking potential.

As we look to harness the immense capabilities of our youth, it is clear that investing in education is not just an option—it’s a necessity. To this end, the UAE is making substantial investments in education and skill development to prepare its youth for future leadership roles.

While a robust, agile education system is the bedrock for equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities, it is equally important to ensure that the youth are ready for the real-world. The responsibility for youth development is not limited to government initiatives and policy actions; it is equally shared by the private sector. Companies and businesses have a vital part to play in nurturing homegrown talent and supporting the growth of young professionals. 

Investing in young talent and enhancing their capabilities is key to building a resilient and innovative future for the UAE. It is imperative for businesses to go beyond traditional target-setting and focus on creating meaningful career pathways that offer tangible opportunities for UAE Nationals to excel.

Offering comprehensive support for skill enhancement, promoting lifelong learning, and providing relevant courses and certifications are some of the ways that can help talent to flourish.

Investing in skill development programmes that address both current industry needs and future trends go a long way in boosting holistic growth. By offering workshops, training sessions, and mentorship opportunities, businesses can help young Emiratis build and refine the skills necessary to excel in their roles and adapt to evolving demands.

Platforms such as Ru’Ya are ideal for engaging businesses and professionals and help them connect with peers, learn from industry leaders, and stay informed about emerging trends and opportunities. With its career-defining discussions, live performances, interactive workshops chances to engage with leading employers, Ru'ya offers an array of services to guide Emirati job seekers in the right direction.

Companies should encourage and facilitate continuous education by providing access to online courses, seminars, and advanced certifications. This not only helps employees keep up with industry advancements but also supports their personal growth and career progression. 

Needless to say, offering clear pathways for advancement, along with regular performance reviews and feedback, helps employees understand their potential for growth and provides them with the tools to achieve their career goals. 

At AWR Group, we are committed to shaping careers and unlocking potential and include a different way to support Emirati professionals at every stage of their career journey. Our programmes cover a broad spectrum of industries, including mobility, properties, logistics, IT, HR, Legal, and Marketing Communications. This range ensures that our talent can explore and excel in multiple fields, aligning their passions with career opportunities that drive both personal satisfaction and professional growth.

Our flagship programme, Waed—meaning ‘Promise’ in Arabic—encapsulates our commitment to accelerating the careers of young Emiratis. With the tagline ‘Your Gateway to a Bright Future,’ Waed is designed to shape the leaders of tomorrow through a comprehensive suite of offerings such as workshops, training sessions, and certifications that align with both current industry needs and future trends. Participants benefit from hands-on experience, mentorship schemes, and targeted learning and development programmes that ensure that they are adaptable to an ever-changing global landscape.

Waed is more than a programme; it is a strategic investment in the future of our nation. By providing robust support and diverse opportunities, we aim to foster a new generation of leaders who are not only skilled and knowledgeable but also driven by a sense of purpose and commitment to their community and country.

Offering youth real-world experiences and practical skills, alongside a future-proof education system, is crucial for creating a stable, secure, and sustainable country. Achieving this goal requires contributions from both the government and the private sector.

Empowering the future demands a proactive, inclusive, and comprehensive approach. By providing inclusive workplaces and career pathways that enable Emirati youth to realise their full potential, companies must foster a culture of lifelong learning and adaptability. This ensures that talented youth continue to grow and make meaningful contributions to society and the economy.

Initiatives like Waed and Ru’Ya and a wide range of career opportunities are instrumental in laying the foundation for a thriving, dynamic, and innovative future for the UAE.