WGS 2025: Dubai to host first edition of Young Arab Leaders Forum

As a pre-event activity for the 2025 World Government Summit (WGS), Dubai will host the inaugural Arab Youth Leaders Forum on Monday, February 10th. This forum aims to bring together young talents from across the Arab world to jointly discuss regional development and the future.

Sponsored by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), the forum will gather over 200 emerging leaders from various parts of the Arab world. The event is part of the "Arab Youth Leaders" initiative, launched nearly 20 years ago by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to empower the next generation of Arab leaders by providing them with the skills, networks, and opportunities to drive progress across all sectors.

The forum will feature a series of keynote speeches and panel discussions, focusing on youth empowerment, leadership development, and regional transformation. The event will commence with an opening keynote speech by His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the "Arab Youth Leaders" initiative. Subsequently, His Excellency Marzouq Al-Ghanim, former Speaker of the Kuwaiti National Assembly, will deliver a keynote address discussing the importance of preparing young leaders to meet the evolving challenges of the modern world. His Excellency Sheikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy of the Kingdom of Bahrain, will participate in a session discussing the role of Arab youth leaders in shaping the region's economic future. Her Excellency Rania Al-Mashat, Egyptian Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, will also deliver a keynote speech on youth preparedness and its role in senior position planning and leadership. Furthermore, Hussain Sajwani, Founder and Chairman of DAMAC Properties, will participate in a panel discussion exploring the impact of youth leadership in building resilient and innovative economies.

His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the "Arab Youth Leaders" initiative, emphasized that the forum is a meaningful platform for dialogue aimed at empowering Arab youth, leveraging their skills to drive social progress, and fostering a new generation of leaders capable of creating tangible change in various fields in the future. Belhoul stated that the Arab Youth Leaders Forum will play a significant role in launching impactful initiatives in the coming period by leveraging the expertise of the participating Arab leaders. He highlighted that the forum will further activate the role of Arab youth leaders in various fields, in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the DFF.

Beyond business and governance, the Arab Youth Leaders Forum will also explore the impact of youth leadership in sports, arts, and culture. A panel discussion on "Arab Sports Leadership" will bring together prominent athletes, including Saudi football legend Sami Al-Jaber, Emirati football star Ismail Matar, and Iraqi footballer Nashat Akram, to discuss how sports can serve as a platform for youth empowerment and regional cooperation. Another discussion on "Arab Arts and Culture Leadership" will invite renowned creative figures, including Tunisian artist El Seed, Saudi musician Mishaal Tamer, Egyptian architect Shahira Fahmy, and renowned chef and owner of Orfali Bros Bistro, Mohamad Orfali. Additionally, the forum will conclude with a keynote session by Nasser Al-Khater, CEO of the Qatar 2022 World Cup, who will share his leadership experience in organizing one of the most prestigious global sporting events. As part of its long-term strategy, the Arab Youth Leaders initiative aims to engage 50,000 participants in the coming years. Through mentorship, networking opportunities, and innovative programs, the initiative seeks to build a robust network of business leaders, policymakers, and change-makers dedicated to supporting and guiding Arab youth talent. Through its extensive regional network, the program aims to position Arab youth as catalysts for innovation, economic growth, and social transformation.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed recently approved the formation of the "Arab Youth Leaders" Board of Directors, with His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul serving as Chairman. The board comprises distinguished leaders from across the region, including Sheikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa (Bahrain), Dr. Tamam Mango (Jordan), Fahad Al Ghanim (Kuwait), Aissata Lam (Mauritania), Ibrahim Mohtaseb (Saudi Arabia), Mona Ataya (Palestine), Basil Baz (Egypt), Yazan Altimimi (Iraq), Nasser Al-Khater (Qatar), Sami Daoud (Oman), and Fatima Rashid Bujsaim, Secretary-General of "Arab Youth Leaders."