The Ruler of Dubai and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi came together for the launch of an initiative aimed at unlocking the potential of Emirati youth.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, were on hand for the official launch of the Abu Dhabi Youth Hub on Sunday.
The two leaders were briefed on plans by the Federal Youth Authority to harness the skills of the next generation.
"I and my brother Mohamed bin Zayed got firsthand experience of the Emirati model for youth empowerment which paves the way for institutionalising the youth sector in the country," said Sheikh Mohammed.
"Youth are the country's most cherished asset, and we have together launched a new phase for continuing to develop the youth sector in a way that ensures our country will steer the helm globally with regards to youth empowerment.
"The Emirati model for youth empowerment is focused on building up an influential character for each young Emirati and providing a development-conducive environment to ensure their effective contributions to and engagement in all sectors. We're going to invest in and unleash their potential to maximise their role in achieving the highest good of all Emiratis."
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed lavished praise on the new hub, which he believes will provide vital support for the aspirations of young people in the Emirates.
"We bet on youth," said Sheikh Mohamed.
"They're the engine of development and growth, and sit as top priority for President Sheikh Khalifa and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid.
"Therefore, the role of youth on national development is sacrosanct to the whole developmental aspiration of the Emirati society. They are our true wealth, as we learned from the Founding Father Sheikh Zayed. We are betting on them and expecting a lot from them; they are the source of creativity and innovation and on them we are pinning our hopes to ensure a leading position on the global stage."
Both men signed a plaque during the inauguration event before enjoying a tour of the bright new facility alongside a number of senior UAE cabinet members, including Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and the Future, and Shamma Al Mazrui, Minister of State for Youth.
The centre, based in the Corniche, covers an impressive 4,500 square metres.
It boasts an array of state-of-the-art facilities, including includes 30 departments and creative spaces.
