Young Turks: The Rise of Young Arab Leaders on the Global Stage

Young Arab Leaders

The Arab world, comprising 22 countries and approximately 200 million people under the age of thirty, has a huge opportunity to channel its youth power. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, sowed the seeds of youth empowerment two decades ago by launching the Young Arab Leaders (YAL) initiative in 2024.

The Arab world faces numerous challenges, particularly in terms of youth unemployment, political instability, and social inequality. The Young Arab Leaders Forum’s mission is to help young leaders become future-ready by creating a progressive ecosystem where they can voice their concerns, enhance their leadership skills, and connect with key decision makers. It responds to the urgent need for initiatives that can harness the energy of youth and drive transformative change across the Arab world.

In December 2024, 11 handpicked Arab leaders were selected for the Board of Directors of the Young Arab Leaders initiative to steer its growth and elevate its impact on a global scale. In February 2025, the Young Arab Leaders Forum was held in Dubai as a precursor to the World Governments Summit. Over 200 young Arab leaders convened to discuss, share ideas, and implement action plans to help the Arab world pivot into next-gen growth and lifestyle.

Over 200 young Arab leaders convened to discuss, share ideas, and implement action plans to help the Arab world pivot into next-gen growth and lifestyle

The core values of the Young Arab Leaders (YAL) Forum are:

Youth empowerment through industry and policy meetings and dialogues.
Exclusive events and regional collaborations to expand reach and grow the membership network.
Entrepreneurship and innovation training to foster public-private partnerships and sustainable revenue models.
Sustainable investment and business opportunities that build future-ready ecosystems for Arab youth globally.

YAL Forum offers a wide range of activities and programs to help young people unlock their leadership potential. These include workshops, seminars, and training sessions focused on essential skills such as entrepreneurship, negotiation, and innovation. The initiative also organizes networking events that connect participants with leaders and global organizations.

Partnerships with international bodies—such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through its Youth Knowledge and Youth Leadership Programmes—further amplify the forum’s impact. Notably, YAL has supported the launch of several successful youth-led projects aimed at solving regional challenges.

With the MENA region poised to become the world’s next economic hub, the YAL Forum is ensuring its alumni rise to top roles—shaping global policy, driving innovation, and setting youth trends. For now, the world is taking notes.