Introduction

Introduction

The Federal Youth Authority has launched the ‘National Youth Agenda 2031’, encompassing a range of distinctive initiatives, programmes, and projects under several developmental priorities. These aim to nurture youth talent and enhance their capabilities. The Agenda reflects the Authority's unwavering commitment to youth by providing genuine opportunities to develop their skills, gain new experiences, and empower them to achieve their aspirations. It also emphasises their active participation in shaping the future, recognising them as the cornerstone of society's prosperity and development.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Empowering and investing in youth and preparing them with future skills and sciences is a fundamental pillar of the UAE’s comprehensive development vision. Youth are the strength, energy, ambition and true wealth. They are also the pillar of development and the leaders of tomorrow in their communities. They must acquire every skill that enables them to contribute effectively to the progress of their country and create a prosperous future for it.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan

President of the UAE

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
There can be no sustainable development for nations without a genuine partnership with youth. We are proud that our youth, driven by their ambition and strong will, are leading us towards new global horizons. Our country has empowered the youth, and they have reciprocated this empowerment with their contributions.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai

Transformative
Milestones

The establishment of the Ministry of Youth and Sports
1971
The establishment of the Ministry of Youth and Sports
The merger of the Ministry of Youth and Sports with the Ministry of Education
1976
The merger of the Ministry of Youth and Sports with the Ministry of Education
The establishment of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports
1980
The establishment of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports
The establishment of the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare
1999
The establishment of the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare
The appointment of H.E. Shamma bint Sohail Al Mazrui as Minister of State for Youth Affairs
2016
The appointment of H.E. Shamma bint Sohail Al Mazrui as Minister of State for Youth Affairs
The launch of the National Youth Agenda
2016
The launch of the National Youth Agenda
The formation of Youth Councils
2017
The formation of Youth Councils
The establishment of the Federal Youth Authority
2018
The establishment of the Federal Youth Authority
The launch of a series of distinctive youth initiatives and programmes
2019
The launch of a series of distinctive youth initiatives and programmes
The merger of the Youth Sector with the Ministry of Culture
2020
The merger of the Youth Sector with the Ministry of Culture
The appointment of H.E. Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi as Minister of State for Youth Affairs
2024
The appointment of H.E. Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi as Minister of State for Youth Affairs
The organisation of the Federal Youth Authority
2024
The organisation of the Federal Youth Authority
The launch of the National Youth Agenda 2031
2024
The launch of the National Youth Agenda 2031

National Youth Agenda 2031

A roadmap for the future of youth in the country leading up to 2031

The National Youth Agenda 2031 aims to empower young Emiratis to be role models, regionally and globally, in thought, values, and active contribution to economic and social development and national responsibility.

This will be achieved by empowering and supporting the promising young generation and talent in alignment with the aspirations of the country's leadership, which supports the realization of the vision of the Government of the United Arab Emirates.

05

Main Directions

06

General Enablers

The Agenda has five strategic goals for Emirati youth. They should

Economy

Be major contributors to national economic growth

Society and Values

Contribute effectively to the community while adhering to Emirati values and principles

Role Models

Drive positive change globally, and to be global role models

Skills and Education

Keep up with the latest breakthroughs in advanced technologies and be highly proficient in mastering future skills

Quality of Life

Enjoy the highest levels of health and quality of life

Focus Areas and Themes

01 . Economy

Key drivers and supporters of national economic development by focusing on the following areas:

  • Supporting entrepreneurs and establishing SMEs in emerging and promising sectors.
  • Developing young talent and enhancing their readiness to enter the labor market.
  • Supporting youth to have access to global markets.
  • Enhancing youth contributions in vital sectors to support sustainable and green growth.

02 . Society and Values

Actively contributing to the society while adhering to Emirati values and principles by focusing on the following areas:

  • Promoting authentic Emirati values and principles among youth. 
  • Instilling national identity and preserving the Arabic language among youth.
  • Ensuring active participation in community life and presenting as inspiring and youthful role models. 
  • Making Emirati youth the cornerstone of building happy families and ensuring their continuity.

03 . Role Models

Influencing positively and serving as role models at a global level by focusing on the following areas:

  • Building international networks of relationships and positive communication among youth from different cultures.
  • Developing young diplomatic leaders who provide the best representation of the country at a global level.
  • Actively participating in international forums, events, and councils.
  • Empowering youth to work on impactful global initiatives that support the achievement of sustainable development goals.
  • Meaningful participation of youth in the Emirati agenda for peace and tolerance.

04 . Skills and Education

Empowering youth to stay aligned with technological advancements and equipped with future skills by focusing on the following areas:

  • Enabling youth to adopt the latest emerging technologies.
  • Providing an optimal environment for continuous learning and future skills development.
  • Supporting research and development practices and promoting them locally and globally.
  • Encouraging and supporting youth in the fields of innovation, invention, and intellectual property.
  • Developing a network of young experts in advanced technology and artificial intelligence.

05 . Quality of Life

Ensuring youth enjoy the highest standards of well-being and quality of life by focusing on the following areas:

  • Providing an enabling environment for all youth to achieve the best start in life. 
  • Supporting policies and programmes that ensure a dignified life for youth, guaranteeing financial stability, social well-being, and positive thinking.
  • Empowering youth to adopt the best physical, mental, and emotional health practices.
  • Supporting the development of youth who actively maintain their personal, community, and national safety and security.

Enablers

To support the achievement of strategic directions, the focus will be on six enablers:

Developing a legislative and regulatory framework that fosters and encourages youth engagement.

Involving youth in institutional decision-making processes and in setting strategic priorities.

Ensuring the availability of comprehensive national data on youth and facilitating access to it.

Providing equitable access to education and vocational training opportunities for youth.

Ensuring that youth have optimal and easy access to essential services.

Promoting equal empowerment for all youth groups.

Expanding Horizons for Future Generations

Expanding Horizons for Future Generations

Guided by the directives of the wise leadership and embodying its forward-thinking vision, the National Youth Agenda 2031 aims to provide Emirati youth with new opportunities and turn their ambitions into reality. This Agenda is part of a national strategy to empower youth to shape a brighter future for upcoming generations.