Page 96 - MINISTRY OF CULTURE PR REPORT - AUGUST 2025

8/15/25, 1:07 PM Al-Futtaim Launches “Building Bridges” to Empower Emirati Youth and Celebrate 70 Years of UAE–Japan Partnership

Al-Futtaim Launches “Building Bridges” to

Empower Emirati Youth and Celebrate 70 Years of

UAE–Japan Partnership

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2025-08-14 07:53:18

(MENAFN- bursonglobal) Dubai, United Arab Emirates; 14 August 2025: In recognition of the UAE’s
Year of Community, Al-Futtaim, in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Culture, Emirates Foundation
and Al Khaleejiya Radio 100.9, and with the support of the UAE Pavilion is proud to launch “Building
Bridges: Voices of the Future”, a landmark initiative that will see 50 exceptional Emirati youth represent
the UAE at Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan, while allowing them to explore the Expo’s global showcases,
participate in cultural exchange, and engage with innovations shaping the future.”

This initiative reflects Al-Futtaim’s enduring commitment to national development and global
engagement. It also underscores the company’s legacy of more than 70 years of partnership with
Japan, through its representation of 13 leading Japanese brands. The 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."

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