Sheikh Hamdan Approves New Board for ‘Young Arab Leaders’ Initiative

Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, has announced the formation of a new Board of Directors for the Young Arab Leaders initiative. This move brings together 11 influential Arab figures from various fields to drive the initiative’s mission forward.

Empowering Arab Youth for the Future

Sheikh Hamdan highlighted the importance of the Young Arab Leaders initiative in fostering the talents of Arab youth. Launched 20 years ago, it reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, to empower young leaders to contribute to the region’s progress.

“This initiative aims to create opportunities for Arab youth, helping them shape a brighter future while preserving our rich cultural heritage. Our young people are the foundation of our progress and the key to unlocking the Arab world’s potential,” said Sheikh Hamdan.

Goals of the Initiative

The initiative seeks to:

• Expand Membership: Attract more members and affiliates to create a stronger network.
• Develop Skills: Provide platforms for young Arabs to improve their skills and showcase their talents.
• Promote Innovation: Encourage youth to excel in fields such as science, technology, culture, and business.
• Support Development: Help Arab societies achieve sustainable growth and prosperity.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Sheikh Hamdan emphasized the initiative’s role in building a platform that empowers young Arabs to pursue their dreams and drive change. “With 200 million young men and women in the region, we have 200 million opportunities to shape a prosperous future,” he added.

New Leadership for a New Era

The newly appointed board is chaired by Khalfan Juma Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, and includes leaders from across the Arab world:

• Sheikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa (Bahrain)
• Dr. Tamam Menko (Jordan)
• Fahad AlGhanim (Kuwait)
• Aïssata Lam (Mauritania)
• Ibrahim Mohtaseb (Saudi Arabia)
• Mona Ataya (Palestine)
• Basil El-Baz (Egypt)
• Yazen Altimimi (Iraq)
• Nasser Al-Khater (Qatar)
• Sami Daud (Oman)

Fatma Rashid Bujsaim has been appointed Secretary-General of the initiative.

Ambitious Goals for Growth

The initiative aims to involve 50,000 young Arabs in upcoming projects, leveraging the expertise of its network to inspire and guide the next generation. By connecting youth with experienced leaders, the initiative hopes to cultivate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across the Arab world.

This step marks a significant milestone in the journey of Young Arab Leaders and reinforces Dubai’s commitment to shaping a brighter future for Arab societies.