KUWAIT: Youth empowerment is at the heart of Kuwait-UAE cooperation, officials said Thursday, as both countries showcased initiatives aimed at engaging and developing the next generation. Kuwait’s Minister of Information, Culture and Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, emphasized that youth are essential partners in shaping policies and programs that support their development. Speaking at a panel discussion titled “Prospects for UAE-Kuwait cooperation: A shared vision led by youth” during the “UAE and Kuwait… Brothers Forever” week, he described Kuwait’s approach as comprehensive and institutional, combining government bodies, private sector partners, civil society, and independent institutions.
“Our model aims to cultivate young leaders through specialized programs, future skills development and opportunities in innovation, entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and sustainable business,” Al-Mutairi said. “Promoting volunteering is also a priority, as it builds leadership, strengthens national identity and engages youth in cultural, artistic and media initiatives.”
The minister highlighted the role of Kuwait’s National Fund for Small and Medium Enterprises in supporting young entrepreneurs from concept to execution, covering areas including economy, culture, arts, sports and artificial intelligence. He also noted the Public Authority for Youth’s contributions in nurturing initiatives, building capacities and transforming ideas into innovative models in partnership with the private sector and civil society.
Minister Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi (center right) presents Minister Al-Neyadi (center left) with a souvenir. — KUNA photos
UAE Minister of State for Youth Affairs Dr Sultan Al-Neyadi described Kuwait-UAE relations as a reflection of deep fraternal bonds. “These joint events show the level of coordination and integration between our countries, especially on youth-related matters,” he said. Al-Neyadi highlighted that the UAE has established over 180 youth councils to ensure young people play a meaningful role in decision-making, including positions on boards of institutions.
“The goal is to involve youth in shaping the future, recognizing them as the leaders of tomorrow,” he said. Both ministers and youth leaders stressed that engaging young people is not only about skills development but also about fostering leadership, creativity and bilateral cooperation. They called for expanding initiatives that allow youth to lead programs reflecting societal aspirations, building a more prosperous and sustainable future for Kuwait, the UAE, and the wider Gulf region.
The focus on youth extended beyond high-level policy discussions. Al-Neyadi visited Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Secondary School in Kuwait City, where he shared his experiences as part of the Zayed Ambition 2 mission to the International Space Station. The event was attended by Kuwait’s Minister of Education Jalal Al-Tabtabaei. Speaking directly to students, he highlighted the importance of scientific ambition, self-confidence and continuous effort in achieving goals in science, technology and research.
Students said the session offered a unique glimpse into space exploration and its challenges, from learning new languages for crew communication to adapting to extreme climates and maintaining daily routines such as prayer and fasting. “This meeting allowed us to understand the reality of space missions and learn from scientific experiments conducted in space,” said student Abdulrazzaq Al-Mutawa. Another student, Saeed Bin Fadhel, added that the session inspired him to explore science and innovation while facing new challenges. — KUNA
