The Sharjah Youth Council (SYC), in collaboration with the UAE Youth Entrepreneurship Council, infused new vitality into the 9th installment of the Al Dhaid Date Festival with a motivating youth session on innovation, leadership, and local develop
Organized under the title “At the Heart of Sharjah Central Region. Our Youth: Leadership and Growth,” the event provided a platform for young minds to exchange views and discuss how they can contribute to reshaping the future of the agricultural industry particularly through entrepreneurship and sustainable innovation.
A Platform for Youth Voices and Ideas
This colorful session was graced by notable guests, such as Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI); Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, Director General of SCCI; and Rashid Khalifa Al Mahyan, Parents Council for the Central Region Chairman. They were accompanied by members of the youth councils and leaders from around the UAE.
The real heroes, nonetheless, were the youths. The event provided them the opportunity to be heard, voice their vision, and to consider how they may be a part of bringing life to their communities.
“Innovate with Dates” – A Youth Challenge Like No Other
One of the highlights was the new “Innovate with Dates” competition. To make its debut at the next Al Dhaid Date Festival, this program encourages youth to come up with innovative, marketable concepts utilizing dates in ways not previously imagined be it in food processing, biotechnology, or contemporary crafts.
The objective? To convert conventional resources into innovative business ventures that best embody the attitude of today’s youth.
Roll-out of the Central Region Youth Council
Another major highlight was the roll-out of the Central Region Youth Council, which will officially launch on International Youth Day (12 August). The new council will speak for the youth of the Central Region and provide them with a direct voice in local planning and projects.
By getting young people more involved in actual decision-making, the council hopes to ensure that community development remains connected to what the next generation needs and wants.
Leaders Give Their Support
Abdallah Al Owais gave a big vote of support for young entrepreneurship, especially in the SME sector, and insisted on providing assistance to young innovators to implement their ideas.
President of the Sharjah Youth Council, Dr. Mariam bin Haddah Al Suwaidi, discussed how the council is transforming from being merely a representative group for youth to one that is a force for change by introducing projects that have a tangible impact on the lives of young people.
Abdullah Al Kaabi of the UAE Youth Entrepreneurship Council pointed out the increasing chances in the entrepreneurial environment of the UAE. With resources to mentors and networks, young individualsparticularly in the Central Region can now convert their daring ideas into scalable businesses.
Building on this, Jassim Al Obaidli of the Federal Youth Authority stressed their part in directing and assisting the nation’s youth through national initiatives.
Wrapping up the discussion, the UAE Youth Council for Agriculture’s Maha Al Muhairi emphasized the role that young people must play in sustainable agriculture. She stressed that food security in the future is reliant on innovation, technology, and next-generation leadership.
verified from sources: WAM
