Al Ain Youth Council, in collaboration with the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA), has organised an event titled Youth Opportunities in Emirati Diplomacy, held at Sultan Fort at Al Ain Museum. The initiative forms part of the council’s ongoing efforts to empower youth, enhance their awareness of diplomatic career pathways, and strengthen their connection to the UAE’s national heritage and values in international representation.
The event was delivered as an integrated knowledge program and featured an interactive youth dialogue session with His Excellency Dr Mohammed Ibrahim Al Dhaheri, Deputy Director General of AGDA, and Dr Khawla Al Marri, Head of Education and Community Partnerships at Al Ain Museum. The session was moderated by Hazaa Al Azeizi, a member of Al Ain Youth Council.
The programme also included a cultural and knowledge-focused component, alongside practical outcomes announced at the conclusion of the event, highlighting the balance between theoretical insight and applied learning in preparing youth interested in diplomatic careers.
In his remarks, His Excellency Dr Al Dhaheri emphasised that Emirati diplomacy is grounded in a deep-rooted legacy and firmly established values. He underscored the importance of Emirati youth upholding the nation’s heritage and the honourable reputation the UAE has built over decades when representing the country in international forums, reflecting the principles of tolerance, respect, and balance that define the Emirati diplomatic approach.
Dr Al Marri highlighted the close relationship between heritage and cultural diplomacy, as well as the role of museums in conveying the UAE’s civilisational image to the world. She noted that heritage and tourism represent effective soft-power tools for promoting cultural coexistence and building bridges between nations, thereby supporting the UAE’s diplomatic efforts.
Discussions during the session focused on the importance of diplomacy and its role in advancing national interests, the opportunities available for youth to engage in diplomatic work, and their contribution to supporting the UAE’s foreign policy. The dialogue also addressed key challenges facing young diplomats amid regional and global developments, while underscoring the complementary roles of diplomacy, tourism, and heritage in enhancing the UAE’s global image.
On the sidelines of the event, participants explored a selection of diplomatic artifacts at Al Ain Museum, along with historical pieces documenting key milestones in the UAE’s journey and international relations. This experience further enriched the educational dimension of the programme and strengthened youth engagement with the nation’s diplomatic history.
A collaboration between Al Ain Youth Council and AGDA was also announced during the event. The partnership includes the delivery of a diplomatic training programme in Al Ain, the allocation of seats specifically for youth from the region, and an open invitation for young people to register and participate in the academy’s various programmes.
Musallem Hmoud Alderei, Chairman of Al Ain Youth Council, affirmed that this collaboration represents a significant step in expanding opportunities for youth. He stated that the partnership with AGDA opens broader horizons for young people in Al Ain to enter the diplomatic field and benefit from specialised programmes that build their capabilities and prepare them to represent the UAE with excellence and professionalism.
The event forms part of a broader series of programmes and initiatives implemented by Al Ain Youth Council, aimed at preparing a knowledgeable and qualified generation capable of contributing effectively to the UAE’s development journey and strengthening its regional and international presence, in line with the leadership’s vision of investing in people and building future leaders.
