Building Solid Foundations

As the UAE continues to navigate a new era of diversification and Emiratisation, Maytha Al Habsi, CEO of Emirates Foundation, discusses how the organisation is helping young people become leaders of the future.

- Neil King

THE WORD ‘CHANGE’ has become synonymous with the UAE since the union was formed more than 46 years ago.

The country’s rapid growth and development has seen the seven emirates change beyond all recognition since the 1970s, and that change is still evident around us today as we enter into a new era for its governments, residents and businesses.

Among the most important changes at the present time are those based upon diversification and Emiratisation. Finding new ways to drive economic growth, and encouraging more Emiratis into the private sector are two key strategies for the long-term success of the UAE, requiring new ways of thinking and placing a huge reliance on the country’s youth population.

One group looking to prepare young people for this future is Emirates Foundation – an independent philanthropic organisation set up by the Government of Abu Dhabi to facilitate public-private funded initiatives to boost youth development and welfare across the UAE.

Part of its mission is to help young people bring positive change and a sustainable future to the country through a variety of means including volunteering, education and developing enterprise.

In December last year, the foundation appointed a new CEO, Maytha Al Habsi, who follows in the successful footsteps of previous incumbent Clare Woodcraft.

Having been with the organisation since its launch in 2005, Al Habsi has been party to the many changes throughout the UAE, and understands the challenges facing young people.

“Today more than ever, as we enter this new era of diversification and Emiratisation, young people need a lot of support to make sure they have, for example, analytical competencies,” she says.