Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid announces ‘youth council’ initiative

In a series of tweets, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, announced an initiative that will see an Emirati under the age of 25 representing the youth in government.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said it was logical to pay attention to young people and their issues, as they made up about half of Arab societies. Sarah Dea / The NatiShow more

DUBAI // Wanted: a young Emirati who is a final year student at university or a recent graduate, with an interest in governance and public policy. Must not be easily overawed.

The job: sitting with the Prime Minister and other senior government officials on the Federal Cabinet, as the representative of young people.

To fill this vacancy, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, who is also Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, has asked universities to nominate three men and three women under 25.

One will be selected as a minister to represent the “issues and ambitions of young people. I want that person to serve as minister alongside us in the Cabinet”, Sheikh Mohammed said on Twitter.

Young people made up “nearly half of our Arab societies” and were key to their success or failure, so it was only logical to pay attention to them and their issues, Sheikh Mohammed said.

“We are a young country that was built by young people and has reached [an] elevated global standing thanks to them.

“They are the secret of its power and speed. They are the treasure that we keep for the future.”

Several residents have suggested young people they thought were ideal for the job.

For many young Emiratis it would be a dream come true to have a voice among the decision makers.

“It was very unusual to read this on Twitter because I don’t think you would hear this from any other nation,” said Sara Al Boom, 23, who graduated from the American University of Dubai in 2014 and works at Dubai Cares.

She is among the young Emiratis who would cherish the chance of being considered for the post.

“Absolutely. I would be honoured. It is a fantastic idea. It is important for the youth to have a voice that reaches out to community members. The person would need to be trustworthy and credible.

“The young will bring fresh perspectives and ideas that the current Cabinet can look at. This will have a huge impact. His Highness believes that we can do the work, that we are the future to carry this nation forward.”

The candidate picked for the job would be an important messenger, said Khaled Saad, 22, a laboratory chemist at Abu Dhabi Oil Refining Company.

“This person would be the messenger of the youth. He will deliver messages for them and the Cabinet will get to know what the youth have on their mind.

“This person will be a bank of ideas and communicate with the youth.”

Watching how this new Cabinet member handles the role will inspire university graduates to be reliable citizens, he said.

“Now anyone in university will want to be as good as that person. It’s a lot of responsibility, but it’s a dream for anyone and it makes the whole nation proud.”

Emiratis said education and social welfare would be areas addressed by young candidates.

Others were disappointed at missing the age limit.

“I really wished I was under 25 when I saw this. I was so surprised and happy at the same time, because in which country will young people get a chance like this?” said Amal Al Kuwaiti, 25, an electronics engineer with Abu Dhabi Distribution Company.

“This will help the young think of solutions and find out what is happening in different areas like business and education.

“For me, this country provides us with everything – education, jobs. What I ask for I get from this country. But His Highness understands all ages. This will give young people confidence and responsibility to work more and work harder for the country.”

Kaltham Al Romaithi, 22, from Abu Dhabi, said she would love to have the privilege to take part.

“Even to be nominated would be a great privilege. It’s a great responsibility because you’ll be the voice of half the population, so you need to address all their needs and make sure [the youth’s] voice is heard,” said Ms Al Romaithi, who is studying a research master’s at Khalifa University, specialising in telecommunications.

“I think Mohammed Bin Rashid is way ahead of his time. He’s always thinking of the next step and surprising us with his decisions.”

Afra Al Mutairi, 20, who studies communications at Zayed Unviersity in Abu Dhabi, welcomed the chance to have the powerful voice of the younger generation heard, though she admits the news surprised her.

“Many people see us as too young but what people don’t know is that these ideas can actually benefit the country,” she said.

“Things [in the UAE] aren’t what they once were .... and we need new ideas to accommodate these changes. We are the future. By doing this, they are showing us we have a voice and have a say in what goes on in this country.”

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak, Minister of Higher Education and Research, praised the initiative as “a brilliant idea”.

It will, he said, help “contribute to promoting the role of young citizens in society by engaging them in national strategic decision making”.