Youth of the UAE inspire us more each day, says President Sheikh Mohamed


  • English
  • Arabic

President Sheikh Mohamed has praised the contribution of the UAE's younger generation, saying they continue to inspire others with their success.

In a tweet on Friday to mark International Youth Day, Sheikh Mohamed said the UAE would continue to empower and trust them to lead the country into the future.

"The youth of the UAE inspire us more each day through their continued success in all fields," he said.

"On International Youth Day, we reaffirm our commitment to empowering the young women and men of the UAE and place our trust in them to work hard and to lead our country into the future."

The younger generation has been a core part of the UAE's leadership's vision for the future.

Last month, Sheikh Mohamed met Emirati students and doctors in France on the second day of his state visit to the country, describing them as ambassadors of the nation.

He urged them to strive to achieve academic excellence, which he said would enable them to contribute to the UAE's growth.

UAE's biggest success

In a video posted on social media to mark International Youth Day, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, described the UAE's young people as its “hope and treasure” and urged them to take the future into their hands.

In the video, which highlights some of the brightest and best young citizens, Sheikh Mohammed said he too was “young once”.

He said his own dreams were fulfilled and that “after hardships, good days followed”.

“We thank God that we have succeeded in many things,” Sheikh Mohammed said in the recording.

“However the UAE and the union has achieved its biggest success — its youth. They are the future. They are the ones that will take matters into their own hands in the future.

“To the youth who overcome obstacles, to those who are hope and treasure, I was young once like you. And my dreams did come true. After the hardships, good days followed.”

Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth, said that investing in young people, empowering them, and enabling them to make a meaningful contribution to their country and communities, was the foundation of a nation’s development.

"Youth are the real capital and the main tool in our growth journey to build a sustainable future," she said.

"In order to prepare them for future leadership positions, it is imperative to include them in key decision-making roles today."

Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, said the Emirati youth represent the bright and prosperous future of the UAE.

"The citizen is the basis of development in the UAE and the youth represent the promising hope to continue the journey of building and giving," he said in a tweet accompanied by a picture of Sheikh Mohamed enjoying Eid Al Fitr this year with his family.

"Today, the Emirati young generation possess the will, knowledge, broad culture, and great awareness of the issues of their homeland.

"The journey of goodness is in safe hands and the future is bright and prosperous."

Lexus LX700h specs

Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor

Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh590,000

Six large-scale objects on show
  • Concrete wall and windows from the now demolished Robin Hood Gardens housing estate in Poplar
  • The 17th Century Agra Colonnade, from the bathhouse of the fort of Agra in India
  • A stagecloth for The Ballet Russes that is 10m high – the largest Picasso in the world
  • Frank Lloyd Wright’s 1930s Kaufmann Office
  • A full-scale Frankfurt Kitchen designed by Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky, which transformed kitchen design in the 20th century
  • Torrijos Palace dome
What the law says

Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.

“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.

“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”

If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.

The biog

Favourite food: Tabbouleh, greek salad and sushi

Favourite TV show: That 70s Show

Favourite animal: Ferrets, they are smart, sensitive, playful and loving

Favourite holiday destination: Seychelles, my resolution for 2020 is to visit as many spiritual retreats and animal shelters across the world as I can

Name of first pet: Eddy, a Persian cat that showed up at our home

Favourite dog breed: I love them all - if I had to pick Yorkshire terrier for small dogs and St Bernard's for big

Updated: August 12, 2022, 12:23 PM`