Dubai: Thousands of Emirati youth have interacted positively and overwhelmingly with the call by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to hold a two-day retreat for young Emiratis to discuss youth issues and gain insights into their ambitions and aspirations for a better future.
Shamma Suhail Faris Al Mazroui, Minister of State for Youth, said: “Shaikh Mohammad made us accustomed to putting all issues that concern citizens and the nation under discussion. Youth issues and listening to their hopes, ambitions and dreams must come first as they represent the most important national assets for the nation’s present and future.”
Shaikh Mohammad called for youth to actively participate in the retreat, which will be held next week.
Al Mazroui said the hashtag #national_dialogue_around_youth received widespread and welcoming reactions from young Emiratis. The Emirates Youth Council received thousands of messages from Emirati youths through various means and channels of communication and social networking sites.
They expressed their keen desire to participate in the national dialogue, Al Mazroui said, adding that many young people are sending their ideas and suggestions to the council.
She expressed confidence that the youth retreat will come up with recommendations and positive results that live up to the ambitions and aspirations of young people.
“These ideas will be turned into practical steps and actions on the ground and will be utilised to serve youth and achieve their national aspirations,” Al Mazroui said.
She urged youth to submit their ideas and proposals via various means of communication.
“Every idea or proposal will be welcome and taken into account during the retreat, and the youth council is welcoming all suggestions and opinions via messages or any other means of communication,” she said.
The youth council will contact universities and youth centres to invite youth to participate actively in the retreat.
