The Federal Youth Authority (FYA) has reported achieving significant progress in its Youth Hub ecosystem in the first quarter of 2026, with the number of programmes and activities increasing by 33%, rising to 100 compared with 75 in the same period last year.
Similarly, the number of beneficiaries grew by 40% to 6,352, up from 4,516 during the same period, while the total number of programme hours delivered increased from 393 to more than 517.
Active Engagement
Youth Hubs have demonstrated a strong and sustained presence all across the UAE. In Ajman, the Youth Hub in Al Safia delivered 21 programmes benefiting 994 participants, while the one in the Falaj Almualla area of Umm Al Quwain attracted 1,460 beneficiaries through 22 programmes.
In Fujairah, the Youth Hub in Mirbah organised 24 programmes with 1,204 participants, whereas the one in Al Ghail in Ras Al Khaimah hosted 13 programmes, engaging 524 participants. The highest engagement was recorded in the Youth Hub in Al Dhait, Ras Al Khaimah, where a remarkable 2,170 beneficiaries joined 20 programmes.
Core Pillars
Under the Basic Needs pillar, 23 high-quality programmes were delivered, focusing on mental and physical wellbeing, alongside initiatives promoting safety, security, and economic and housing stability. These efforts contribute to fostering a supportive environment that enhances youth stability and enables positive community engagement.
Meanwhile, the Future Skills pillar under the Lifelong Learning track saw 29 programmes implemented, including initiatives aimed at preparing participants for both employment and entrepreneurship, in addition to educational and training programmes designed to hone their skills. Activities to develop their creative and life skills were also offered, supporting young participants to adapt to the rapidly evolving labour market.
The National Identity and Social Values pillar accounted for the largest share with 47 programmes. These featured targeted initiatives to strengthen the sense of national belonging among the youth, reinforce family and community values, and enhance social cohesion. The programmes also contribute to strengthening Emirati identity among youth, in alignment with the objectives of the ‘Year of Family’, which seeks to strengthen the family’s role as the earliest environment for nurturing values and shaping identity, as well as to sustain the social fabric and position national identity as a cornerstone of the UAE’s development journey.
In step with digital transformation, a specialised programme was delivered to equip young participants with modern tools and technologies, support their integration into the modern digital landscape, and enhance their capacity to contribute innovative solutions that advance digital transformation. This, in turn, aligns with the UAE’s vision to build a competitive knowledge-based economy and reinforce its position as a global centre for innovation and advanced technologies.
Youth Experiences
The wide range of activities on offer reflects the diversity of the youth’s experiences. A total of 36 workshops were organised, along with 17 initiatives, 15 specialised programmes, 11 events linked to national and international occasions, nine community events, four panel discussions, four tournaments, and three exhibitions. Together, these activities fostered a spirit of constructive competition and contributed to the development of leadership and social skills among youth.
