Page 84 - MINISTRY OF CULTURE PR REPORT - AUGUST 2025

8/15/25, 1:05 PM Al-Futtaim launches “Building Bridges” to empower Emirati youth and celebrate 70 years of UAE–Japan partnership
choice of Osaka as the destination is symbolic, reaffirming the deep bilateral relationship and a shared commitment to innovation,
collaboration, and cross-cultural exchange.

The delegates, aged 21 to 30, were selected through a rigorous, multi-partner process led by Al-Futtaim, the UAE Ministry of
Culture, Emirates Foundation, and Al Khaleejiya Radio. Candidates were evaluated based on key criteria such as ambassadorial
potential, creativity, cross-cultural awareness, community impact, and leadership capability. As part of the selection, applicants
were asked to complete a creative exercise that demonstrated their alignment with the programme’s values.

Commenting on the initiative, Omar Al Futtaim, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Al-Futtaim, said: "This initiative
perfectly aligns with our values of empowering individuals and contributing to the prosperity of the nation. By providing these
exceptional young Emiratis with the opportunity to represent the UAE on a global stage, we are not only strengthening the bond
between the UAE and Japan but also investing in the development of future ambassadors who will carry the UAE's message of
progress, diversity, and innovation to the world. This programme provides an unparalleled platform for young Emiratis to develop
their leadership skills, broaden their horizons, and become influential advocates for the UAE on the global stage, truly celebrating
their voices as future global ambassadors."

H.E. Mubarak Al Nakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, commented, "Building Bridges is a powerful initiative that reflects
the UAE’s commitment to empowering youth and strengthening global cultural dialogue. This initiative offers our young creatives
and leaders a platform to engage with the world while reinforcing the deep-rooted cultural ties between the UAE and Japan. At the
Ministry of Culture, we believe that nurturing cross-cultural understanding and global collaboration is essential to shaping a more
inclusive, creative, and sustainable future. We are proud to support this journey and confident that these young ambassadors will
carry forward the spirit of our heritage and the vision of our nation."

Adding to this sentiment, H.E. Ahmed Taleb Al Shamsi, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Foundation, stated: "Emirates
Foundation is dedicated to empowering the youth of the UAE, and the 'Building Bridges’ initiative offers an unparalleled opportunity
for our young talent to engage with global communities. We believe this experience will be transformative, equipping them with the
skills and perspectives needed to become impactful leaders and innovators."

The delegates will travel in three cohorts between August and October 2025, taking part in cultural immersions, leadership
workshops, and visits to Expo 2025, where they will engage with global peers and innovations. As youth ambassadors, they will
help deepen UAE–Japan ties by sharing the UAE’s heritage and vision, while gaining insights and networks to inspire impact at
home.

In parallel, and as part of its 70YearsForward campaign, Al-Futtaim has launched a dedicated secondment programme in
collaboration with the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka. Between July and October, talented young Emirati employees from
across the Group are seconded to support the UAE’s presence on the ground. This reflects the Group’s enduring commitment to
cross-cultural exchange, international collaboration, and the UAE–Japan partnership and demonstrates Al-Futtaim’s dedication to
empowering its people with meaningful, nation-building experiences that represent the UAE’s values on a global stage.

About Al-Futtaim:

Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held
regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Operating across 18 countries in the Middle East, North Africa and Asia, the Group spans key sectors including automotive,
financial services, real estate, retail, and health. Al-Futtaim’s work is driven by a clear purpose: to enrich lives and elevate
communities through practical, forward-looking solutions.

Employing a workforce of nearly 33,000 people, Al-Futtaim represents a portfolio of over 200 of the world’s most recognised and
trusted brands, including Toyota, Lexus, IKEA, ACE, Marks & Spencer, and many more.

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