Dubai, , July 3rd 2021 – Initiatives launched by the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs (MFNCA) drew great turnout from youth in the UAE, where more than 19,100 young Emiratis from around the country took part.
The Ministry is committed to engaging the youth and channelling their energy towards achieving its strategic objectives and promoting political awareness with all members of the wider community.
The MFNCA is working on several initiatives specifically directed at young people and designed to enhance their political awareness and create effective channels of communication to listen to their ideas and use that insight to develop and improve parliamentary procedures in the country. One example of these initiatives is the Political Awareness Forum for University Students, which the Ministry organises in collaboration with United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) every year since 2012
The Ministry’s initiatives and plans also aim to provide the youth with interactive content through its website and social media, in addition to organising a series of Youth Circles – held in collaboration with the Federal Youth Authority – to mould a generation that is knowledgeable and capable in the parliamentary sector. Young people are also periodically invited to attend sessions of the Federal National Council (FNC), as well as seminars, lectures, and virtual panel discussions that introduce the youth to parliamentary activity in the UAE.
MFNCA Undersecretary His Excellency Tariq Hilal Lootah said: “The youth are at heart of our wise leadership’s vision for the next 50 years and we count on them to shape a bright future for the UAE. And with that vision in mind, the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs is committed to playing its part in strengthening political awareness among Emirati youth, developing their personality, and empowering them to be role models and contribute to the progress and prosperity of their country.”

“Despite the challenges posed by the current extraordinary circumstances that the region and the world are going through, we have continued to work towards our goals to promote a culture of political participation in the community – and with the youth, in particular. Our innovative methods and systems are in line with the aspirations of this ambitious segment of the community, which makes up the largest group in Emirati society,” H.E. added.
“We are pleased with the enthusiasm young people show for the Ministry’s initiatives, which ultimately aim to enhance direct communication with the youth and the larger community,” H.E. Lootah noted. “We want to listen to their views and engage them in the political development process the country is going through, which adheres to the gradual approach outlined in the Political Empowerment Programme, launched in 2005 by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan to mark the 34th anniversary of the establishment of the United Arab Emirates.”
More than 7,800 young men and women from all around the country took part in the Youth Circles organised by the Ministry to explore topics, such as integration between the government and the FNC, political development, youth and the FNC, and the Federal National Council elections. The sessions featured high-profile officials, including H.E. Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to the UAE President; H.E. Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth; MFNCA Undersecretary H.E. Tariq Hilal Lootah; and H.E. Dr Saeed Mohammed Al Ghufli, MFNCA’s Assistant Undersecretary for FNC Affairs.
Furthermore, young people from major academic institutions in the UAE joined the Political Awareness Forum for University Students. These include the Higher Colleges of Technology, Ajman University, University of Sharjah, Rabdan Academy, Abu Dhabi Police College, Dubai Police Academy, and the Police Science Academy in Sharjah, in addition to the United Arab Emirates University. The Forum has hosted nine sessions – the most recent of which was held virtually – with the objective of enhancing political awareness among the students.
The Ministry of State for FNC Affairs sought to build a network of strategic partnerships as part of its efforts to enhance interaction with the youth. The MFNCA signed partnership agreements with international academic institutions and the General Women’s Union, among other institutions, and is committed to collaborating with federal and local government entities.
In 2020, the Ministry announced the formation of the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs Youth Council, in collaboration with the Federal Youth Authority, in a bid to create a nurturing environment for creative youths and develop initiatives that meet their aspirations and enhance their political awareness, empowering them to serve the community and play a part in the UAE’s progress and prosperity.