His Excellency Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture, reaffirmed that the UAE had grown in stature as an Arab and international role model in empowering youth and investing in their abilities. He attributed this success to the vision of the nation’s wise leadership who have always regarded youth as the greatest wealth of the state. It’s a national priority to promote the youth’s active participation in various vital sectors and harnessing their talents and skills to serve the nation in achieving the state’s developmental vision for the next fifty years.

His Excellency explained that the UAE’s wise leadership has been supporting the youth sector providing all means to empower them and nurture their talents. This would lead to a qualified next generation capable of leading the country towards new horizons of development and prosperity.

His Excellency’s statement came during his meeting with His Excellency Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, the newly appointed Minister of Youth at the Ministry of Culture’s headquarters in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi. A sincere and hardworking Emirati and Arab youth, His Excellency Al Neyadi is a role model not only for the country’s youth but also for the whole world. He has previously served in the UAE’s military and scientific fields, and was the first Arab astronaut to walk in space. He was also the first Arab to spend the longest Arab space mission, spanning six months.

During the meeting, His Excellency Salem Al Qassimi highlighted the efforts of the youth sector and the role it plays in achieving the Ministry’s mission and strategy in translating the visions and directives of the UAE government in empowering young people and fostering young talent in various fields. His Excellency stressed that separating the Youth Authority and creating a Ministry of Youth as an independent entity will lead to youth empowerment making  them equal partners in decision-making and leadership. He wished His Excellency Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi success during his tenure in the new ministerial position.

Her Excellency Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Community Development, also attended the meeting. She highlighted the keenness of the UAE leadership in creating a supportive and nurturing environment for its youth. The UAE’s focus on youth is evident from a series of national strategies and programmes that support and enable the sector. Her Excellency explained that the country’s leadership believes in the importance and effectiveness of the youth sector and the role it plays in leading the future and achieving national ambitions.

Her Excellency congratulated the new minister on assuming the position, wishing him success in the next stage.