Delivering for youth: How the UAE is enabling NextGen Talent

The UAE has been committed towards developing the capabilities of youth across the Emirate.?

The MENA region is home to the world’s largest youth population. It’s no surprise that the UAE has been chosen as the top country in the world to live in by nearly two-thirds of Arab youth, aged 18-24, for the 11th consecutive year.?

The country’s appeal to Arab youth includes: high salaries, wide range of work opportunities, quality education system, ease of doing business and its effective leadership.?

There is resounding optimism, especially with Emirati youth.

91% saying their best days lie ahead of them and 100% saying the country’s economy is going in the right direction.?

NextGen Talent has been a major focus area for the UAE Ministry of the Economy, who has recently launched an initiative to help young Emiratis upskill their knowledge and capabilities in the technology sector.?

UAE’s top business brands partnered with the government to help 5000 students from universities across the country receive expert guidance on the skill sets needed to pursue careers in advanced technology, 4IR industries and Wed3 ecosystems.?

Entrepreneurship is one of the pillars of the 50-year economic plan for the UAE, and the nation has strongly encouraged youth to set up their own successful small and medium enterprises and startups.?

For example, the UAE launched the Youth Hub, an open trade incubator to promote entrepreneurship by providing free spaces, key services and facilities, and mentorship to budding entrepreneurs aged 18-35 to support the launch of their businesses.?

Last year the UAE declared that it will provide one year sabbatical leave for citizens working in government sectors who wish to start their own business.?

Finally, the UAE Commercial Transaction Law has recently been revised to allow 18-year-olds to launch a new business, down from 21 years.?

Bringing down the age cap makes the UAE in sync with more international regulations, and encourages youth to consider an early move into business. This amended policy will greatly benefit family-owned business in the UAE who want to succession plan to the next generation.?

Family businesses in the UAE comprise of more than 70% of the private sector, and their sustainable growth and continued relevance will be greatly enhanced due to the role of entrepreneurship within these organisations and NextGen leadership.?

The UAE is fertile ground for young generations to start new businesses and scale new ideas.

More importantly, through revolutionary policy reforms and government investment, the UAE has enabled its Emirati youth to take advantage of the massive business opportunities offered by the UAE’s economy.