UAE President Champions Youth Skills for AI-Driven Future

In a powerful statement on World Youth Skills Day 2025, UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reaffirmed the nation’s unwavering commitment to empowering its youth with future-ready skills to thrive in an era defined by artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation. Shared via his official X account on July 15, 2025, Sheikh Mohamed emphasized the UAE’s strategic focus on equipping young Emiratis with the tools to lead, create, and contribute to both national and global progress. This message aligns with the UAE’s vision to foster a knowledge-based economy and positions the country as a global leader in youth empowerment and technological innovation. As the world marks World Youth Skills Day, designated by the United Nations in 2014, the UAE’s initiatives underscore the critical role of sustainable skills development in preparing young people for employment, entrepreneurship, and global challenges in an increasingly digital landscape.

The Significance of World Youth Skills Day 2025

Observed annually on July 15, World Youth Skills Day serves as a global platform to highlight the importance of equipping young people with skills for decent work, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014, this day fosters dialogue among youth, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions, employers, policymakers, and development partners. The 2025 theme, centered on “AI and digital skills”, reflects the growing need for competencies that align with the Fourth Industrial Revolution. With projections estimating a demand for 600 million jobs by 2030 to meet global youth employment needs, the UAE’s focus on skills development is both timely and strategic, ensuring its youth are prepared for a rapidly evolving job market.

Sheikh Mohamed’s message resonates deeply in the UAE, a nation known for its forward-thinking leadership and investment in human capital. By prioritizing AI skills, digital literacy, and innovation, the UAE is not only addressing global demands but also reinforcing its position as a hub for technological advancement in the Middle East. This commitment is evident in initiatives like the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity, chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, which advances philanthropy and youth-focused programs under the President’s vision.

UAE’s Vision for Youth Empowerment

Sheikh Mohamed’s statement underscores the UAE’s holistic approach to youth empowerment, which integrates education, technology, and innovation. The UAE has long recognized that its youth are the backbone of its sustainable development goals. By equipping them with AI and digital skills, the nation aims to prepare a generation capable of navigating the complexities of a technology-driven world. This vision aligns with the UAE’s broader ambitions, such as the UAE Vision 2030, which emphasizes a knowledge-based economy and positions the country as a global leader in innovation and sustainability.

The UAE’s investment in youth skills is multifaceted, encompassing vocational training, STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), and entrepreneurship programs. For instance, institutions like Khalifa University, under the patronage of Sheikh Mohamed, are at the forefront of fostering research and innovation among young Emiratis. The university’s 2025 graduation ceremony, attended by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, highlighted the UAE’s commitment to nurturing national talent in scientific and technological fields. Such initiatives ensure that young people are not only job-ready but also equipped to lead global innovation.

AI and Digital Transformation: The Future of Work

In his World Youth Skills Day message, Sheikh Mohamed highlighted the transformative impact of artificial intelligence and digital technologies on the global economy. As AI reshapes industries—from healthcare to finance to logistics—the demand for digital skills has surged. The UAE is proactively addressing this shift by integrating AI education into its curricula and supporting programs that foster digital literacy. This focus is particularly relevant as the World Youth Skills Day 2025 theme emphasizes AI and digital skills, reflecting the global need for competencies that drive technological innovation.

The UAE’s efforts are not limited to formal education. Through partnerships with global tech leaders and initiatives like the UAE AI Strategy 2031, the country is creating ecosystems where young people can experiment with AI tools, develop coding skills, and explore emerging technologies like blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT). These programs are designed to prepare Emirati youth for high-demand careers in fields such as data science, machine learning, and cybersecurity, ensuring they remain competitive in a global job market.

Fostering Leadership and Creativity

Sheikh Mohamed’s emphasis on empowering youth to lead and create reflects the UAE’s commitment to nurturing not just technical skills but also soft skills like leadership, creativity, and critical thinking. The Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity, under the leadership of Sheikha Mariam and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, supports programs that encourage young people to think innovatively and contribute to global progress. These initiatives include mentorship programs, innovation challenges, and platforms that allow youth to showcase their ideas on a global stage.

For example, the UAE’s Arab Reading Challenge, championed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and supported by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, engages over 810,000 students across the UAE in fostering a culture of knowledge and creativity. Such initiatives highlight the UAE’s holistic approach to youth development, combining technical skills with cultural and intellectual growth to create well-rounded leaders.

Global Impact and Regional Leadership

The UAE’s commitment to youth skills extends beyond its borders, positioning the country as a leader in regional stability and global cooperation. Sheikh Mohamed’s recent diplomatic engagements, such as his discussions with the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Turkey, underscore the UAE’s focus on fostering development-focused partnerships that prioritize education and innovation. These efforts align with the UAE’s participation in global forums like the African Union Mid-Year Coordination Meeting, where Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan emphasized sustainable development and healthcare initiatives.

By investing in youth empowerment, the UAE is contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to quality education and decent work. The nation’s focus on sustainable skills ensures that young people are equipped to address global challenges like climate change, technological disruption, and economic inequality. This global outlook is evident in the UAE’s support for initiatives like the Ukraine Recovery Conference and the Union of the Comoros Independence Ceremony, where the UAE reaffirmed its commitment to international cooperation.

UAE’s Investment in Education and Innovation

The UAE’s education system is a cornerstone of its youth empowerment strategy. Under Sheikh Mohamed’s leadership, the country has invested heavily in STEM education, vocational training, and digital infrastructure. Programs like the Year of the Community initiative, launched by Sheikh Mohamed, aim to foster national cohesion and encourage youth participation in shaping the UAE’s future. These efforts are complemented by institutions like the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, where Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan has praised initiatives that align with the UAE’s vision for sustainability and innovation.

Moreover, the UAE’s recognition of academic excellence, such as Sheikh Mohamed’s reception of top-performing Grade 12 students in 2025, reinforces the value placed on education and hard work. By celebrating young achievers, the UAE is inspiring the next generation to pursue excellence and contribute to the nation’s progress.

Challenges and Opportunities in Skills Development

While the UAE’s efforts are commendable, the global demand for 600 million jobs by 2030 presents both challenges and opportunities. The rapid pace of digital transformation requires continuous upskilling to keep pace with emerging technologies. The UAE is addressing this through public-private partnerships, where companies collaborate with educational institutions to offer real-world training in fields like AI, robotics, and renewable energy. These partnerships ensure that young Emiratis are not only job-ready but also capable of driving innovation in their respective fields.

Additionally, the UAE’s focus on entrepreneurship encourages young people to create their own opportunities. Programs like the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development provide funding and mentorship to young entrepreneurs, fostering a culture of innovation and self-reliance. This approach is particularly crucial in a world where traditional job roles are being redefined by automation and AI.

The Role of TVET in Shaping the Future

Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) plays a pivotal role in the UAE’s skills development strategy. By offering hands-on training in fields like engineering, healthcare, and information technology, TVET institutions bridge the gap between education and employment. The UAE’s investment in TVET ensures that young people have access to practical skills that align with market demands, enhancing their employability and contributing to the nation’s economic diversification.

Sheikh Mohamed’s vision for TVET is evident in initiatives like the UAE National Skills Strategy, which aims to train thousands of young Emiratis in high-demand sectors. These programs are designed to prepare youth for future jobs that may not yet exist, ensuring the UAE remains a leader in the global economy.

A Call to Action for Youth

Sheikh Mohamed’s World Youth Skills Day message is a call to action for young Emiratis to embrace lifelong learning and seize opportunities in the digital age. By fostering a culture of innovation, creativity, and leadership, the UAE is empowering its youth to shape a future that is both sustainable and prosperous. This vision is supported by a robust ecosystem of educational institutions, government initiatives, and global partnerships, all working together to ensure that Emirati youth are at the forefront of technological advancement.