Al dhaid: A new initiative aimed at empowering youth in the agricultural sector was launched during the 9th edition of the Al Dhaid Date Festival. The Sharjah Youth Council (SYC), in collaboration with the UAE Youth Entrepreneurship Council, hosted an interactive youth session under the theme 'At the Heart of Sharjah Central Region .. Our Youth: Leadership and Growth.' The session served as a platform to recognise agricultural innovation and enhance youth contributions to the sector's future.
According to Emirates News Agency, the event saw the attendance of prominent figures, including Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI; Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, Director-General of SCCI; and Rashid Khalifa Al Mahyan, Chairman of the Parents Council for Male and Female Students in the Central Region. Several senior representatives and members of youth councils from across the UAE were also present.
During the session, officials announced the launch of a youth-focused competition, "Innovate with Dates," scheduled for the next edition of the Al Dhaid Date Festival. The competition encourages youth to develop commercially viable concepts from dates, exploring fields such as food manufacturing, biotechnology, and contemporary craft production.
Furthermore, the Sharjah Youth Council unveiled plans to establish the "Central Region Youth Council," set to launch on International Youth Day, 12th August. This council aims to serve as a platform for youth in the Central Region, promoting their involvement in initiatives that address local priorities and ensure regional development strategies are aligned with community needs.
Al Owais expressed the Sharjah Chamber's commitment to youth empowerment through initiatives that enhance their economic contributions. He highlighted the chamber's efforts to promote entrepreneurial engagement among young individuals, particularly in the SME sector, by providing opportunities to turn innovative ideas into successful projects.
Dr. Mariam bin Haddah Al Suwaidi, President of Sharjah Youth Council, noted the council's evolving role in creating impactful initiatives that address genuine youth needs. She emphasized that the Central Region Youth Council's establishment reflects a commitment to integrating young perspectives into policy and leadership decisions in the emirate.
Abdullah Al Kaabi from the UAE Youth Entrepreneurship Council discussed the evolved entrepreneurial environment in the UAE, which empowers youth through mentorship and networking, enabling them to transform innovative ideas into scalable business projects.
Jassim Al Obaidli, Director of Youth Engagement at the Federal Youth Authority, highlighted the Authority's role as a national umbrella for youth empowerment across the UAE. Maha Al Muhairi of the UAE Youth Council for Agriculture concluded by stressing the importance of youth empowerment in modern agriculture, linking innovation, technology, and sustainability to future food security and leadership opportunities for the next generation.
