His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, recently attended the fifth Arab Meeting for Young Leaders. This significant event marked the introduction of the Arab Youth Leaders in the New Economy Program, aimed at equipping the future generation with crucial skills in leadership, innovation, and sustainable development.

Focus on Youth Advancement at WGS 2026

The fifth Arab Meeting for Young Leaders unfolded as a part of the pre-events leading up to the World Government Summit (WGS) 2026, occurring under the auspices of H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court. The event spotlighted various interactive sessions that celebrated the achievements of Arab youth, showcasing initiatives that have matured from individual ideas into impressive contributions in sectors such as development, innovation, advanced technologies, and sciences.

During the opening remarks, Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Vice Chairman of the Arab Youth Centre (AYC), highlighted that the gathering represents a shift from merely launching initiatives to ensuring long-lasting impacts. He emphasized the need for young Arabs to turn their concepts into actionable models that can drive development and foster future growth in partnership with policymakers. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, also noted that the gathering serves as an expanding forum for skill-building and youth empowerment amid rapid global changes.

Empowering the Next Generation through Innovation

Fatima Al Hallami, CEO of the Arab Youth Centre, elaborated on the organization’s dedication to empowering youth. She aligned their priorities with meaningful opportunities focused on leadership and the emerging economic landscape. The newly launched “Arab Youth Leaders in the New Economy Program” aims to equip participants with strategies for navigating economic shifts and anticipating market dynamics, emphasizing sustainability and governance.

The discussions featured significant milestones achieved by youth in leadership and the creative economy. Panel discussions highlighted success stories from AYC alumni, with projects like the Satellite 813 initiative and diverse digital gaming ventures demonstrating how personal ideas can lead to structured success. Additionally, the event marked the introduction of the Arab Youth Space Hackathon, a collaborative initiative between the UAE Space Agency and the Arab Space Cooperation Group. This meeting serves as a collaborative environment for organizations dedicated to youth empowerment while showcasing effective strategies for expanding regional programs focused on skill enhancement and capacity building.

Setting the Stage for Future Economic Contributions

Taking place from February 3 to 5, 2026, the Arab Meeting for Young Leaders is integral to the broader World Government Summit, allowing young leaders to connect directly with over 60 heads of state and 500 ministers. This interaction positions youth at the forefront of global policy-making discussions. As of January 31, 2026, Dubai’s economy had experienced a remarkable 4.7% GDP growth, which the AYC intends to leverage by training “Glowmads” (digital nomads) and entrepreneurs capable of contributing to the UAE’s ambitious AED4 trillion foreign trade target.

One of the prominent themes for 2026 is “Gaming Powered by Arab Identity.” Building on the success of the Arab Youth Hackathon, the five winning games that highlight regional heritage will be showcased at WGS. This initiative asserts the Creative Economy as a vital industry, moving beyond conventional career paths and preparing for the 150,000 new digital roles anticipated in Saudi Arabia and the UAE this year.

Another exciting development for 2026 is the “Space Hackathon for Sustainability.” Utilizing the UAE’s Space Data Center, winning teams will be awarded AED50,000 in satellite imagery credits and mentorship to enhance their environmental initiatives. This aligns perfectly with the “Space for Sustainability” theme initiated at COP28, evolving into a significant regional capacity-building program.