Page 11 - WATANI AL EMARAT FOUNDATION PR REPORT - AUGUST 2024

Among the esteemed attendees during the event were His Excellency Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al
Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs; His Excellency Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of
State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications; His Excellency
Abdullah Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary-General of The Executive Council of Dubai; Her
Excellency Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture); His
Excellency Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of the Dubai Government Human
Resources Department; and His Excellency Dherar Belhoul Al Falasi, Director General of the
Watani Al Emarat Foundation; besides over 80 young men and women from the youth councils
in the emirate, in addition to a number of experts in the fields of economy, innovation, space,
culture, and community service.

The retreat, sponsored by Dubai Culture, is designed to support and enhance the capabilities of
youth in leadership, creativity, economy, and society, while motivating them to develop
innovative solutions for future societal challenges. Hosted at the Etihad Museum, the retreat
provided an innovative strategic platform that fosters communication between youth, leaders,
decision-makers from Dubai's government departments and institutions, as well as experts and
specialists from various fields. The forum promoted the exchange of experiences and ideas,
aligning with Dubai’s vision to invest in its youth, prepare and qualify them for the future, and
actively involve them in shaping it. Such efforts contribute to solidifying Dubai’s position and
global leadership.

Her Highness Sheikha Latifa emphasised that the Dubai Youth Retreat aligns with Dubai’s
forward-looking approach and commitment to fostering creativity and innovation. She
highlighted that the retreat represents an ambitious dialogue, showcasing the creative thinking,
innovative vision, and ability of the UAE’s youth to effect positive change in their communities
and nation. She said, “This retreat is an investment in tomorrow, and a stepping stone towards a
bright and sustainable future, driven by the ambitions of our youth. It will undoubtedly nurture
decision-makers and leaders who are responsible and committed to shaping future plans and
policies, in line with the innovative and creative vision of our leadership, continuing our journey
of excellence.”

Her Highness added, “This retreat embodies the integration of roles necessary to achieve
Dubai’s vision of supporting innovation. Its significance lies in building genuine partnerships
between youth and decision-makers across various sectors. These partnerships are a vital tool
in achieving the sustainable development goals we strive for.” Her Highness highlighted the
inspiring events and activities during the Dubai Youth Retreat, held in conjunction with the
launch of the National Youth Agenda 2031, which aims to position Emirati youth as a leading
model locally and globally in thought, values, and meaningful contributions to economic, social
development, and national responsibility.

Invested in the future
Commenting on the event, His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi said: “Youth are the foundation
of development and the cornerstone for building a prosperous and sustainable future. The wise
leadership has always believed in investing in their energies and guiding them towards
innovation and creativity in various fields. We constantly strive to provide an enabling
environment that allows them to achieve their aspirations and develop their abilities, as they are
the leaders of tomorrow who will carry the responsibility of continuing the pioneering

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