ABU DHABI // UAE leaders marked International Youth Day on Friday by highlighting the role young Emiratis play in their society.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, wrote on Twitter: “Our formula for development: it’s based on core values, led by youth and focused on a future in which everyone achieves happiness.”
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, also took to Twitter and said the UAE’s youth were the heartbeat of the homeland and their energy and vitality were the greatest asset for the country’s development.
Sheikh Mohammed said he saluted Emirati youths who recognised the extent of the responsibility on their shoulders, and added that with their ambition and optimism, the UAE will reach new horizons of excellence and leadership.
Also taking to the popular social media was Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, who said young people had a great responsibility to meet the challenges new avenues provided.
Sheikh Hazza said he hoped that the International Youth Day was an occasion to unleash the energy of youth, adding that young Arabs were in dire need of opportunities that matched their abilities and hopes.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid shared a video that captured the spirit of Emirati unity, tolerance and peace in honour of International Youth Day.
The three-minute video, titled Our Youth’s Message to the World on International Youth Day, was published on the YouTube account of the Emirates Youth Council.
It featured young Emiratis speaking who spoke about UAE values. They did so in Arabic, English, French, Japanese, Spanish, German, Korean, Italian and Tagalog, among other languages.
Speaking in Mandarin, Shamma Al Mazrui, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, said: “We, as Emirati youth, respect everyone regardless of race, religion, gender or nationality. Treating people with respect is an integral part of our UAE culture.”
“Our values reflect our identity. Through them, we engage with the world to build a better future,” said Faisal AlAttar, who was the first to speak in the video.
“In a rapidly changing world, with increasing risks and challenges, we as Emirati youth are committed to embodying our country’s values of both tolerance and peace,” said Dubai Abulhoul.
The video concluded with a message from Shiekh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, who said: “We will lead the country forward. This is our time and we will start from now.”
The video was produced under the patronage of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak in partnership with the National Emirates Youth Values Programme, Minster Al Mazrui and Emirates Youth Council.
newsdesk@thenational.ae
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The figure was broadly flat immediately before the Covid-19 pandemic, standing at 216,000 in the year to June 2018 and 224,000 in the year to June 2019.
It then dropped to an estimated 111,000 in the year to June 2020 when restrictions introduced during the pandemic limited travel and movement.
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