The Dubai Youth Council's Youth Retreat gathered more than 80 young Emirati leaders, government officials, and experts at the Etihad Museum to showcase creative solutions for the UAE's future. Supported by H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, the event established a direct bridge between youth and the nation's top decision-makers.
Senior Officials Join Dubai Youth Council Retreat
Among the prominent attendees were Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs; Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Working Applications; and Abdullah Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary-General of the Dubai Executive Council.
Their presence underlined the retreat's role as a vital opportunity to align young talent with national leadership priorities in innovation, creativity, and sustainable development.
Sheikha Latifa: Youth Are the Foundation of Dubai's Future Vision
H.H. Sheikha Latifa emphasized that the retreat is in tune with Dubai's visions of the future, while establishing "future leaders and decision-makers who are passionate about the nation's progress." She highlighted the retreat's role in fostering the partnership between youth and policymakers essential for delivering on sustainable development goals.
Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi echoed this message, stressing the need to invest in youth as the generation shaping "a successful and sustainable future." He noted that the retreat follows a tradition dating to the first event in 2016, with previous editions generating the National Youth Agenda — a framework driving Emirati innovation and positive social change toward Vision 2031.
Seminars Cover Economy, Innovation, Space, and National Security
The retreat featured structured idea coaching sessions, group discussions, and seminars organized around five core themes:
- Economy and trade - Innovation and the future - Military and national security - Space exploration - Community service and cultural heritage
Sessions addressed how to prepare youth for future challenges, foster ethical principles, and uphold the UAE's cultural heritage alongside its ambitions in science and technology.
Six Permanent Dialogue Platforms Launched
Hassan Sabt, President of the Dubai Youth Council, said the retreat empowered participants to engage with national leadership and connect with the UAE's long-term vision. The event culminated in the unveiling of six permanent dialogue platforms designed to take up topical issues and advance Dubai's status as a global innovation city through the energy and creativity of its youth.
