The Federal Youth Authority (FYA), in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, announced the formation of the ‘UAE Youth Council for Culture and National Identity 2026 – 2028’. Envisioned as an interactive national youth platform, the Council is dedicated to empowering young people and significantly enhancing their participation in the cultural sector. It is committed to actively engaging youth in the design and execution of cultural programmes and events, both nationally and globally. Furthermore, it aims to empower their critical role in safeguarding and strengthening national identity through innovative approaches that align with the aspirations of future generations.
The Council aims to empower creative youth in the fields of culture and identity, fostering their active participation in the development of the national cultural landscape. This initiative is crucial for nurturing future cultural leaders and ambassadors of Emirati identity. Furthermore, the Council strives to revive cultural heritage, promote intergenerational knowledge transfer, and provide a youth platform where young people can propose cultural policies and initiatives that reflect their vision and aspirations. It also seeks to strengthen their connection to Emirati culture and identity, build their capabilities, and motivate them to transform their creative ideas into impactful projects that leave a lasting mark on society.
Distinguished Talents
The Council comprises 16 members, representing a selection of distinguished young national talents in creative and cultural fields. They are united by passion and dedication across various domains, including traditional crafts, theatre, music, literature and writing, visual arts, cinema, and national heritage. These youth collectively embody a vibrant new Emirati dynamism, set to drive the nation’s cultural scene, strengthen its relevance, and proactively shape its future.
The Council’s core mandate revolves around launching qualitative initiatives that foster cultural dynamism. This includes organising quarterly dialogue sessions bringing together young people with cultural and artistic pioneers and heritage torch bearers, as well as implementing specialised training programmes to qualify and empower young creatives in culture and heritage. In addition to this, it involves workshops and awareness campaigns focusing on Emirati heritage, traditional crafts, and national history.
The Council’s work also extends to participating in official external visits to exchange expertise and learn about global best practices, in addition to building strategic partnerships with government entities and investors to empower youth and support the cultural and creative industries in the country.
The UAE Youth Council for Culture and National Identity 2026 – 2028 is committed to elevating youth engagement and influence within the cultural domain, driving initiatives and content that celebrate national identity and heritage, ensuring youth representation in cultural policy discussions, and cultivating the next generation of creative industry leaders.
