First-of-its kind survey to know needs of UAE youth launched
abu dhabi — A nationwide youth survey — the first of its kind in the UAE and GCC — which aims to help improve opportunities for future generations was introduced in Capital on Sunday.
The Youth Development and Wellbeing Index Survey, which was launched by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Chairman of Emirates Foundation, was announced during a press conference held in the Capital.
The survey is the first comprehensive attempt to capture the state of UAE youth development and wellbeing. Sheikh Abdullah called upon Emiratis across all seven emirates to contribute to making the nationwide initiative a success by participating.
On the sidelines of the conference, Abdullah Naser Lootah, director general of Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA), told Khaleej Times that a whopping 6,600 youth members across the UAE will take part in the survey, which consists of 489 questions and is expected to be released on April 2.
He said: “The survey is divided into 14 areas that concern the youth, including education, health, entrepreneurship, environment and voluntary work.”
He noted that the youth are selected based on a global methodology, where they are pulled from various segments in each emirate.
“More than 34 per cent of the questions are covering education and more than 24 per cent are related to the labour market, opportunities, private sector, challenges and expectations.”
Lootah added that the once the survey is completed, officials will begin analysing what are the required needs concerning today’s youth. “There could be a lot of
We need the support of every youth and family in the UAE and I will be the first to take the survey as I recognise its importance towards realising our nation’s progress and sustainable development.” Shamma bint Sohail Al Mazrui, Minister of State for Youth Affairs
homework for different ministries and for us and how we could distribute the concerned analysis to cabinet members.”
He explained the importance of the different surveys conducted by the UAE government throughout the years and how they help shape and enhance a greater future.
“We are going to embark on a major project on tolerance and acceptance, exclusion and working together between expats and nationals.”
Shamma bint Sohail Al Mazrui, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, chairwoman of the Emirates Youth Council and board member of the Emirates Foundation, said the initiative was designed to provide a sound platform to guide the government on the right path towards youth development, in line with the national youth strategy launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
“In this respect, we need the support of every youth and family in the UAE and I will be the first to take the survey as I recognise its importance towards realising our nation’s progress and sustainable development.”