UAE's Shabab AI Initiative Launches to Empower Young Emiratis in Technology
A new initiative aimed at empowering young Emiratis in artificial intelligence has launched with strong backing from government and education leaders. The Shabab AI programme, announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, targets citizens aged 18 to 35 and seeks to bridge the gap between learning and real-world application. The inaugural Youth Lab of the Shabab AI initiative brought together over 71 participants, who generated 133 ideas with support from more than 15 strategic partners. The programme is designed to guide young people from basic AI awareness to practical implementation in various sectors.
At the event, Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, encouraged continuous learning among youth. Meanwhile, Nafis Secretary General Ghannam Butti Al Mazrouei called on the private sector to adjust educational curricula to better match market demands, aiming for a 90% alignment between skills taught and employer needs. Dr. Farah Al Zarooni of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology highlighted the success of the Industrialist Program, which has created over 4,000 jobs across 12 industries. The event also saw strong participation from young entrepreneurs, with 61% of SMEs and startups represented being youth-led. Prof. Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University, confirmed plans to integrate AI into every field of study by 2028. Dr. Mohammed Hamad Al Kuwaiti of the UAE Cyber Security Council added that the country’s future strength lies in its youth and their ability to drive innovation.
The Shabab AI initiative will provide structured training and mentorship to young Emiratis, helping them transition from education to employment. With government support and private sector collaboration, the programme aims to strengthen the UAE’s position in AI and technology development.
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