Dubai is set to host the first-ever Young Arab Leaders Forum on February 10, as a prelude to the World Government Summit 2025. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Future Foundation, the event will bring together over 200 young leaders from across the Arab world.

The forum is part of the ‘Young Arab Leaders’ initiative, launched nearly two decades ago by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, to empower Arab youth with the skills and networks needed to drive progress in various fields.

Keynote speeches and panel discussions will focus on youth leadership, regional transformations, and future opportunities. The event will open with a speech by Khalfan Belhoul, Chairman of the ‘Young Arab Leaders’ Board of Directors. Marzouq Al-Ghanim, former Speaker of Kuwait’s National Assembly, will address the importance of preparing young leaders for modern challenges. Bahrain’s Minister of Finance and National Economy, Sheikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, will highlight how young leaders can shape the region’s economic future. Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Rania Al-Mashat, will discuss youth readiness for leadership roles.

Prominent business leader Hussain Sajwani, Founder of DAMAC Properties, will join a discussion on how youth leadership fosters innovation and resilience in the economy. The forum also includes a session on entrepreneurship featuring figures like Mohamad Ballout of Kitopi, Mahmoud Adi of Shorooq Investments, and Mona Ataya of Mumzworld.

Youth leadership’s role in diplomacy, arts, and sports will also be explored. UAE Ambassador Omar Ghobash will discuss the future of Arab diplomacy, while athletes like Saudi football legend Sami Al-Jaber and Emirati star Ismail Matar will examine how sports can empower youth. Discussions on arts and culture will feature creatives such as Tunisian artist El Sayed and Saudi musician Mishaal Tamer.

The forum will conclude with a keynote by Nasser Al Khater, CEO of Qatar’s 2022 World Cup, sharing leadership insights from the global event.

This initiative aims to attract 50,000 participants in the coming years, offering mentorship and networking opportunities to position Arab youth as drivers of innovation and progress. Sheikh Hamdan recently approved the formation of a new Board of Directors for the ‘Young Arab Leaders’ initiative, comprising distinguished figures from across the region.

For more details, visit: www.yaleaders.org.