MBRF Highlights Youth Empowerment and Knowledge Economy Initiatives on World Youth Skills Day
The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering Arab youth and advancing the knowledge economy in celebration of World Youth Skills Day, highlighting its initiatives that equip young people with future-ready skills aligned with the UAE's long-term development strategies.
The Foundation said investing in youth has become increasingly important as global labour markets evolve through digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), and emerging technologies. Through a broad portfolio of educational and knowledge-based programmes, MBRF aims to prepare future generations to drive innovation, research, and sustainable development in line with the 'We the UAE 2031' and 'UAE Centennial 2071' visions.
MBRF's strategy focuses on developing digital, technical, creative, leadership, linguistic, and research skills through several flagship initiatives, including the Future Skills Academy, Youth Knowledge Forum, Dubai International Program for Writing (DIPW), and the Oxford-Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Graduate Scholarship.
Among these initiatives, the Future Skills Academy has emerged as one of the region's leading digital learning platforms. Developed through a strategic partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Coursera, the academy aims to reach 10 million Arab learners by 2030 by offering courses in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data analysis, digital marketing, entrepreneurship, and other future-focused skills.
To date, the academy has attracted more than 25,000 learners, recorded over 270,000 learning hours, and delivered more than 33,000 completed training programmes.
Meanwhile, the Youth Knowledge Forum continues to serve as a regional platform that connects young people, experts, and thought leaders to exchange knowledge and inspire innovation. The Foundation noted that the forum's 2025 edition in Morocco generated engagement from more than two million social media users, while the Egypt edition brought together government officials, international experts, and youth leaders to discuss knowledge-driven development.
MBRF also continues to promote Arabic literature and intellectual creativity through the Dubai International Program for Writing, which supports aspiring writers and contributes to expanding Arabic knowledge content while strengthening the language's role in science and culture.
In higher education, the Oxford-Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Graduate Scholarship enables postgraduate students from the UAE and across the Arab world to pursue master's and doctoral studies at the University of Oxford, helping develop future researchers, academics, and thought leaders.
The Foundation's programmes are supported through partnerships with international organizations and academic institutions, including UNDP, Coursera, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), the University of Oxford, and ministries of youth and education across several Arab countries.
His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, said the global economy is increasingly driven by creativity, innovation, and knowledge, making youth empowerment a strategic priority.
"The world is rapidly transitioning towards economies fueled by creativity, innovation, and knowledge competencies, underscoring the importance of investing in youth skills and positioning them as architects of the future. We remain committed to developing initiatives that provide young people with practical opportunities for learning, creativity, and excellence."
He added that the integration of the Future Skills Academy, the Dubai International Program for Writing, and the Youth Knowledge Forum reflects MBRF's vision of nurturing a new generation capable of driving development and shaping the future.
