Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the UAE’s National Media Office and Chairman of the UAE Media Council, stated that Arab youth are demonstrating a clear ability to transform ideas into practical outcomes that contribute to policy formation and the sustainable development of their societies. Speaking at the “From Secrets to Policies: Arab Youth and Shaping Global Influence” dialogue session, part of the fourth edition of the Arab Youth Pioneers initiative, Al Hamed emphasized the shift from youth participation to leadership in development processes.
The event was organized by the Arab Youth Centre and held at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy in Abu Dhabi. It was attended by Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Vice Chairman of the Arab Youth Centre. Al Hamed said that Arab youth are integrating creativity, media, and innovation to produce tangible impact. He noted that youth-led media is becoming a tool not just for information dissemination but for shaping narratives that influence public perception and decision-making at both local and international levels.
During his address, Al Hamed expressed appreciation to Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs and Chairman of the Arab Youth Centre, for his leadership of the initiative. He credited the Centre’s efforts with building a platform that enables young people to engage meaningfully in areas such as policy, innovation, and development. Highlighting the role of media, Al Hamed said it now functions as a strategic platform capable of elevating regional narratives and enhancing the international image of the Arab world.
UAE showcases its youth empowerment model through media
He added that the media sector has evolved into a space where young talent can directly influence global dialogue and contribute to shaping a more accurate and representative portrayal of their societies. Al Hamed also pointed to the upcoming Bridge Summit in Abu Dhabi as a key initiative that will facilitate the connection between Arab youth and international industry leaders. The summit aims to foster collaborative projects in media, content, and entertainment sectors, supporting equitable access and institutional partnerships.
According to Al Hamed, the summit will provide a structured environment for youth to present their work, transition their ideas into viable business models, and engage with global stakeholders on equal footing. He said the Bridge Summit is designed to serve as a conduit between local innovation and international development efforts. It will create opportunities for youth to convert individual projects into institutionalized initiatives with long-term sustainability, supported by a framework that promotes fairness and accountability.
UAE’s strategic platforms support Arab youth engagement
Responding to questions about the path toward media leadership in the Arab world, Al Hamed stated that the critical shift lies in moving from passive consumption of global narratives to actively producing and exporting original content. He underlined that the new generation of Arab storytellers must ground their work in regional identity while aligning with international standards and platforms. Al Hamed also cited the UAE’s experience in projecting its national identity globally through strategic media engagement. He said the country has demonstrated how a local narrative can be elevated to international recognition by maintaining authenticity and fostering openness.
He encouraged Arab youth to draw on this model, building their projects with a sense of identity that reflects both heritage and innovation. In his closing remarks, Al Hamed urged young people to focus on skill development and resilience. He emphasized that ambition must be matched with knowledge, creativity, and the ability to adapt to challenges. He called on youth to transition from idea generation to project implementation, positioning themselves as contributors to the evolving Arab narrative on the global stage. The Arab Youth Pioneers initiative, which runs from 14 to 19 September, includes mentoring sessions, workshops, site visits, and a recognition program for outstanding youth achievements across various fields. – By Content Syndication Services.