Page 99 - 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 - Middle East…

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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.

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