To mark International Youth Day, the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) Youth Council hosted a forum focused on the pivotal role young people play in economic transformation and the adoption of emerging digital technologies. Held at the SCCI headquarters, the event, titled “Partners in Shaping the Future Economy,” was organized in collaboration with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) Youth Council to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can be leveraged to foster innovation and entrepreneurship.
High-level officials attended the event, including SCCI Chairman Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Director General of the Sharjah Digital Department (SDD) Sheikh Saud Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, FTA Director General Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Mulla, SCCI Director General Mohammad Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, and SCCI Assistant Director-General for Communication and Business Sector Abdul Aziz Al Shamsi. Representatives from the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), the Sharjah Police General Command, and various young entrepreneurs were also present to contribute to the dialogue.
Mohammad Ahmed Amin Al Awadi emphasized that investing in the skills and knowledge of the youth is the most critical step toward building a sustainable future economy. He noted that the UAE’s strategic focus on innovation and global competitiveness relies on empowering young leaders to navigate the evolving business landscape. According to Al Awadi, the forum served as a platform for specialists and decision-makers to discuss how AI is reshaping global markets and creating new opportunities for growth.
Echoing these sentiments, Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Mulla stated that the UAE’s development vision places youth at the center of its strategic planning. He highlighted that as AI and digital transformation accelerate, it is essential to provide young people with the tools to lead in a dynamic environment. Al Mulla pointed out that cross-sector collaboration between government and private entities is vital for delivering efficient services and fostering a resilient, competitive economy.
A key highlight of the event was a panel discussion moderated by Aisha Saleh, Chairperson of the SCCI Youth Council. The panel featured insights from Lieutenant Colonel Abdul Rahim Al Hammadi of the Sharjah Police, Engineer Mohammed Bushlaibi from the TDRA, Mariam Almarzooqi from the SDD, and AI content creator Ebrahim Bolehyool. The discussion examined how government institutions are increasingly adopting predictive, smart solutions to enhance public service delivery and operational efficiency.
Participants explored the strategic importance of using AI-driven data analysis to improve decision-making accuracy and reliability. The speakers underscored that future foresight is a fundamental pillar for designing new programs and maintaining institutional resilience against rapid technological shifts. They also addressed the necessity of robust AI governance and digital security measures to support long-term economic stability.
The session specifically recognized the efforts of the Sharjah Police General Command in integrating AI into its operations to improve responsiveness. The speakers concluded by emphasizing that fostering an environment of creativity and entrepreneurship is essential. By equipping youth with future-ready skills, the UAE aims to ensure they remain at the forefront of digital and economic transformation, capable of developing innovative solutions to meet evolving community needs.