
Du champions youth empowerment with an exclusive Youth Council Retreat
Dubai, UAE: du, the leading telecom and digital services provider, hosted an exclusive Youth retreat hosted by its Youth Council for the youth employees at du at Kanvas, a contemporary space that stimulates creativity and connection in Al Quoz. The retreat is part of du's commitment to the strategic development of young Emirati talent in line with the National Youth Agenda 2031.
The retreat was structured to maximize engagement and interaction among the youth employees of du, featuring a mix of inspirational talks, networking, and collaborative workshops. Participants enjoyed an array of activities designed to ignite creativity, teamwork, and dialogue, including interactive ideation workshops to stimulate creative thinking and collaborative problem-solving and informal networking sessions aimed at building relationships and exchanging ideas.
During the retreat, Fahad Al Hassawi, du CEO delivered an inspirational fireside chat aimed at sharing insights and motivating young individuals. Additionally, Hassan Sabt, President of the Dubai Youth Council, engaged in a discussion to impart his knowledge and practices, further enriching the experience for the youth in attendance. These sessions were designed to inspire and guide the next generation of leaders by providing access to seasoned perspectives and successful strategies.
Fahad Al Hassawi, CEO at du said: 'At du, we don't just see the youth as leaders of tomorrow but as pillars of our society and economy. The Youth Council Retreat embodies our approach as a platform for ideas, inspiration, interaction, and insightful conversation to forge a path where young talents are not only heard but empowered to shape their journey towards a smart future. Our aim is to create a vibrant ecosystem where young talents are nurtured, celebrated, and motivated to lead the charge in the digital era."
Reflecting the national agenda, the retreat emphasized the establishment of du's Youth Council as a pioneering step for UAE companies, focusing on nurturing young talent and supporting their integration into the nation's workforce. It offered a space for ideation and networking and put the spotlight on the remarkable achievements of its young employees, their creative talent, and their valuable contribution to the company's growth.
With the Youth Council Retreat and continued investment in its youth, du has developed several initiatives including leadership and development programs, skill booster sessions, educational partnerships Harvard and Huawei, and innovative platforms like the 'du YouthCast' podcast and 'Journey of Success' series to enhance the professional skills of young employees and prepare them for a thriving future in the digital economy.
About du
du adds life to life with a comprehensive portfolio of mobile, fixed, broadband, entertainment services, and fintech solutions. Through a digital-first approach powered by ultra-reliable fiber and 5G technology, du delivers bespoke solutions leveraging cloud computing, AI-driven analytics, advanced cybersecurity, and IoT integration. As a trusted digital telco enabler spearheading the UAE's digital transformation, we collaborate with a dynamic partner ecosystem to propel industries and society toward operational excellence, shaping a more connected and digitally advanced future across the region.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Filipino Times
3 days ago
- Filipino Times
Abu Dhabi approves AED4.62 billion housing package for over 3,000 Emiratis
A new AED4.62 billion housing package has been approved in Abu Dhabi to support 3,052 Emirati families with home loans and debt relief, under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The announcement comes just before Eid Al Adha and is part of the country's ongoing efforts to improve the lives of its citizens, especially in building stronger families and communities. Out of the total amount, AED4.4 billion will go to housing loans for 2,862 citizens, while AED212 million will cover loan exemptions for 190 low-income retirees and families of deceased citizens. This is the second housing aid released in 2025, raising the year's total housing benefits in Abu Dhabi to AED11.38 billion. The Abu Dhabi Housing Authority said the package is meant to provide better homes and reduce the financial burden on Emiratis, helping families live more comfortably and securely. Officials also highlighted earlier housing support efforts, including the AED250,000 community subsidy and the option to cut monthly loan payments by up to 50%.


Gulf Today
3 days ago
- Gulf Today
Sheikh Khaled clears Dhs4.62b housing benefits for 3,052 citizens
Under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in his capacity as Ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has approved a housing benefits package worth Dhs4.62 billion, benefiting 3,052 Emirati citizens across the emirate. The approved housing benefits package includes housing loans amounting to Dhs4.4 billion benefiting 2,862 citizens, and exemptions from housing loan repayments totalling Dhs212 million benefiting 190 citizens, limited-income retirees and beneficiaries of deceased citizens. The disbursement of the second housing package of 2025 comes ahead of Eid Al Adha and reflects the leadership's ongoing commitment to comprehensive development, enhancing the well-being and stability of Emirati families, empowering them to actively contribute to the nation's progress, in line with UAE Year of Community objectives aimed at strengthening social cohesion and reinforcing community solidarity. This package brings the total housing benefits delivered to citizens in Abu Dhabi in 2025 to Dhs11.38 billion. Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, said, 'The new housing benefits package reflects the leadership's commitment to empowering citizens through the provision of quality housing that promotes family stability and elevates quality of life. On this occasion, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and to His Highness Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, for their enduring support to advance the housing sector and foster a thriving and cohesive society.' Hamad Hareb Al Muhairi, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, said, 'The second housing package of 2025 highlights the depth of our leadership's strategic vision to build a prosperous future, enhancing quality of life and providing sustainable housing solutions that meet Emirati citizens' needs and aspirations. 'The generous support from President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Highness Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, reaffirms the leadership's steadfast commitment to fostering social and family stability and ensuring a fulfilling life for Emirati families.' The housing benefits package follows the recent endorsement of an additional community support subsidy of Dhs250,000 for existing beneficiaries of housing loans, including a reduction of up to 50 per cent in monthly loan instalments, and a wide range of other services and facilities. WAM


Al Etihad
3 days ago
- Al Etihad
UAE tops region for most skilled workforce, says report
6 June 2025 01:39 ISIDORA CIRIC (ABU DHABI)The UAE workforce is the most skilled in the Middle East and North Africa, according to Coursera's latest report. The country also leads the Arab world across all major categories, including business, technology, data skills, and AI maturity, positioning itself as the region's leading hub for digital readiness and Global Skills Report 2025, published by Coursera on Wednesday, draws from the learning activity of more than 170 million users worldwide and benchmarks performance across over 100 accompanying AI Maturity Index provides a broader view, factoring in academic publications and metrics from the IMF and OECD to measure national progress in AI research, innovation, and UAE ranked 38th globally overall, 17th in business, 46th in data, 53rd in technology, and 32nd in AI maturity, making it the top performer in the Arab world across all four categories, and first in MENA when it comes to overall skills readiness.'The UAE is positioning itself for a tech-driven future, with 87% of employers emphasising technological literacy, AI, and big data as their top priorities,' the report said, linking the country's performance to its national efforts to transition into a knowledge-based economy powered by skilled Emirati country also boasts the highest rate of Coursera learners in the region, with 13% of its labour force actively engaged on the platform. As the total learner base reaches 1.3 million, the UAE's appetite for digital skills shows no signs of slowing to the report, GenAI course enrolments alone surged by 344% year on year — more than double the regional growth rate — while professional certificate and cybersecurity enrolments jumped by 41% and 14%, are playing an increasingly active role in this transition, accounting for 21% of GenAI learners in the UAE, 24% of those enrolled in STEM-related fields, and 23% in professional certificate programmes. Learning habits reflect a younger, mobile-first generation, with 41% of users accessing courses via mobile, and a median learner age of the employer side, demand is rising sharply for expertise in AI and machine learning (up 139%) and customer service (up 96%), while top learner skills in the UAE ranged from corporate accounting and predictive analytics to emerging technologies and leadership development. The UAE's broader economic and policy frameworks are a key driver of this momentum, the report said, pointing out the We the UAE 2031 strategy and workforce development programmes like Nafis, which 'are exceeding private-sector employment targets' and form part of a national vision for a tech-enabled society centred around innovation and competencies. Building on this foundation, the country deployed a wider set of strategies, such as UAE Vision 2030, the Strategy for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the Emirates Blockchain Strategy, and the UAE Centennial 2071, to support the growth and prosperity of future-focused business sectors.