Abu Dhabi: As part of its commitment to developing the next generation of UAE national talent, Mubadala, the Abu Dhabi-based investment and development company, on Wednesday announced the launch of the Mubadala Youth Award.

The programme will recognise young Emiratis who are driven, ambitious and committed to contributing to the community. The recipients will receive their awards at the fourth annual Mubadala Youth Forum, set to take place on October 21 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

The awards programme is open for nominations from community members through Mubadala’s youth portal.

Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Group CEO and Managing Director, Mubadala, said: “As we look to the next five years of the UAE’s development, a diverse variety of new professional opportunities will emerge, many of which will stem from fields in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Therefore, it is crucial that we continue to provide compelling learning experiences and inspirational examples that excite young people and galvanise their thinking.”

Under the theme, “Our Future, Your Ambition”, this year’s edition focuses on providing Emirati students with an understanding of the current job market and highlights the increasing need for graduates in STEM-related industries. The forum will also highlight the importance of soft skills to career progression providing insight on the characteristics and attributes recruiters pursue.

Commenting on the Mubadala Youth Award, Nadine Saleh Hassan, Head of Social Development and Partnerships at Mubadala, said, “We are committed to helping young Emiratis realise the important role they will play in their community and the UAE’s future. The Mubadala Youth Award programme is designed to help inspire these young people by showcasing stories of individuals across the UAE who are a true source of pride.”

This year’s Mubadala Youth Forum features a series of workshops designed to provide practical tools that will help students navigate today’s job market and its requirements. From interview skills to learning about productivity and team work, equipping young people with communications and interpersonal skills is crucial to preparing them for the professional phase of their lives.

“Our aim is to extend the benefit of the event beyond information and insights to practical tools that will help students succeed in today’s highly-competitive economy,” added Hassan.

Students will hear and interact with leading UAE business leaders, role models and education experts from across the nation on exciting career paths available with a focus on human capital development and career advancement. Panellists will discuss the approach students should adopt when building their career roadmap and provide expert advice on the most demanded majors and personality attributes