Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid urges youth to dream big at ideas retreat

The Vice President and Ruler of Dubai announced the #NationalYouthDialogue project last week and challenged young men and women to share their best ideas on how the Government should empower them.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid launches the Dubai Future Accelerators programme at Jumeirah Emirates Towers. The programme connects government departments with the world’s most innovative companies to finShow more

DUBAI // Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid on Monday urged young Emiratis to “dream great endings” at the start of a two-day National Youth Dialogue.

The Vice President and Ruler of Dubai challenged young men and women to share their ideas on how the Government could best empower them when he announced the retreat last week.

Their suggestions were being discussed with them by officials, including government ministers, at the retreat in Dubai Design District on Monday and Tuesday.

Sheikh Mohammed and dignitaries at the retreat kept the country informed of developments through Twitter, with the hashtag #NationalYouthDialogue.

“I always tell young men and young women, ‘don’t wait for small beginnings but rather dream of great endings’,” the Vice President said.

Shamma Al Mazrui, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, called the meeting a “pivotal time”.

“The UAE youth will always strive to rank first,” Ms Al Mazrui said. “They were brought up by leaders who have always aspired for the first rank in a country that always ranks first.

“The retreat and national dialogue on youth is a pivotal time in the history of our nation, when it comes to energising and empowering our youth.”

Also at the retreat were Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of State for Tolerance – who worked with young Emiratis on “Youth and Values” – and Jameela Al Muhairi, Minister of State for Public Education.

Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed, president of the Dubai Women Establishment, said empowering the young was crucial for the advancement of the UAE.

“The largest proportion of the UAE people are young men and young women,” Sheikha Manal said. “Having their interests at heart is the best means to achieve the progress and development of our country.”

Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon, member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, listened to the issues raised by Emirati youths, and spurred them to aim high for careers in the private sector.

And Mona Al Marri, director general of Dubai Media Office, worked with young people on “Youth and Interaction”.