'Youth should be proud of UAE's presence in Yemen'

Dubai - Noura Al Kaabi said young people should keep themselves informed and their top concern must be determining the path to their future

Emirati youth are urged to keep themselves better informed on current world issues, broaden their perspectives, and read more. This is particularly pertinent in order to respond to allegations involving the UAE's affairs, said a minister.
Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs, addressed these concerns with students at Dubai's Men College on Monday, at the first of the '100 Mentors' programme.
Through the innovation-themed session hosted by Shamma Al Mazrui, the Minister of State for Youth, Al Kaabi shared her personal experience to urge students to take up reading habit, even if it's just short articles that gave new information.
"If you do not have time to read a book, use social media to read short informative articles. Even by reading only three paragraphs that would take less than a minute, you can answer anyone with your head held high if they asked 'why are UAE troops still in Yemen?'" said Al Kaabi, as the audience cheered.
"If you do not like reading, then watch a 15-minute video of a documentary or TED talks, and I can guarantee you that your thought process will change and you will start asking questions," she added.
From Al Kaabi's perspective, the youth should be proud of UAE's participation in the Saudi-led coalition's efforts in Yemen. "Our presence is a main factor in protecting this country. They have to know that the enemy does not have to be on this land to be considered a threat. Its mere presence in a neighbouring country is enough to get our soldiers moving," Al Kaabi told Khaleej Times.
The future of youth
Al Kaabi said young people's top concern must be determining the path to their future, which the government should support. She also answered students' top concerns and gave tips on developing an innovative mind, and for their educational and professional life.
Al Kaabi urged Emirati youth to start their careers in the private sector for faster career progression later on in government fields. "The private sector faces more challenges and pressure as they strive to keep budgets going. sometimes their working hours follow the international clock," said Al Kaabi, noting that government entities tend to give priority to applicants from the private sector.
Following the right social media accounts also help the youth gain information, she pointed out. "Spend at least 30 minutes before you start your day in reading the latest updates. Routine limits innovation, so do something new every day, no matter how busy you are."
She stressed that persistence comes from one's desire to push themselves. "If you wake up an hour early, you're an hour ahead of others. Innovation starts with one's self," stated Al Kaabi.
The 100 Mentors programme aims to empower the youth to play an active and essential role in UAE's sustainable development process. "We discovered through our youth circles that young people need a direct platform with experienced individuals who can give practical advice to improve their skills in various fields," said Al Mazrui.
The remaining 99 sessions will target locations mostly attended by youngsters, such as educational institutes and academies.
sherouk@khaleejtimes.com

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