The Emirates Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Youth Authority to establish a strategic framework that further develops the Group’s youth community, inspiring generations of aviation and travel professionals.
In the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive Emirates Airline and Group and His Excellency Dr Sultan Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs; the MoU was signed by Yousuf Bin Lahej Al Falasi, Vice President Emiratisation and Government Partnerships at the Emirates Group and Khalid Mohammed Al Nuaimi, Director of the Federal Youth Authority.
Cornerstone of the local community
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed emphasised the importance of empowering youth, recognising the need to forge partnerships with like-minded entities: “The young minds at the Emirates Group are invaluable to our organisation. They provide fresh perspectives that inspire positive change, fuelled by passion and contagious energy. This strategic partnership with the Federal Youth Authority reflects our Emiratisation team’s ongoing commitment to empowering youth, in line with the UAE’s National Youth Agenda 2031. We hope it will motivate our entire community to keep innovating, dream big, and further build on the successes of the Group.
Today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders. We will continue to invest in them, ensuring they are future-ready to drive our nation’s achievements across all fronts - including travel and aviation.”
Emirati Youth Empowerment
His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi, UAE Minister of State for Youth Affairs, stated: “This partnership reflects the enduring vision of the UAE's leadership, which recognises youth as the driving force behind the nation's future growth and progress. Guided by this belief, our national youth strategies empower young people with the resources and opportunities to unlock their potential and shape a sustainable future reflecting the UAE's ambitions and global leadership.
HE added: “The MoU between the Federal Youth Authority and the Emirates Group will establish a practical framework encouraging young Emirati talent to pursue careers in the aviation sector. This partnership will unlock a host of opportunities for professional growth and drive youth’s participation in pioneering national projects. We aim to nurture a generation of leaders and experts equipped with the skills and knowledge to steer the future of aviation with excellence, reinforcing the UAE's global leadership and elevating its international stature.”
Joint initiatives
Under the MoU, the Emirates Group and the Federal Youth Authority will explore joint initiatives that empower, develop, and engage the Group’s community of Emirati youth, with the common objective of creating a robust pipeline of aviation leaders.
The two entities aim to organise bespoke training workshops, seminars and capacity-building programmes designed to attract and retain talented Emiratis, placing them in an array of roles within the Emirates Group’s business units and brands.
The Emirates Group’s Emirati community of youth will also benefit from access to the Federal Youth Authority’s nation-wide initiatives and projects to expand their connections, insights and expertise.
The establishment of the strategic partnership between the Emirates Group and the Federal Youth Authority was led by The Emirates Group Youth Council’s first cohort. Throughout their tenure, the eleven members of the Emirates Group Youth Council have been actively involved in working towards the objectives of the UAE’s National Youth Strategy, from organising a Youth Summit to supporting Aviation Future Week 2024 and a host of other events and initiatives. Earlier this year, the cohort was recognised among the top three private sector youth councils in the UAE at the Youth Councils Forum 2025. Held at Expo City Dubai by the Federal Youth Authority, the forum is the UAE’s largest youth gathering and celebrates the achievements and dedication of youth councils nation-wide.
