To mark International Youth Day, the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) Youth Council hosted a forum dedicated to exploring how young people can leverage artificial intelligence to drive economic innovation. 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.
The gathering brought together a diverse group of young entrepreneurs, industry specialists, and government officials to examine the strategic importance of AI in the modern business environment. Key attendees included SCCI Chairman Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Sharjah Digital Department (SDD) Director General Sheikh Saud Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, FTA Director General Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Mulla, and SCCI Director General Mohammad Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, alongside Assistant Director-General for Communication and Business Sector at SCCI, Abdul Aziz Al Shamsi.
Addressing the assembly, Mohammad Ahmed Amin Al Awadi emphasized that investing in the skills and knowledge of the younger generation is essential for the UAE to maintain its status as a global hub for innovation. He noted that the forum served as a platform for young talent to engage with decision-makers on the transformative power of AI, which is currently reshaping global business landscapes and creating new avenues for economic development.
Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Mulla echoed these sentiments, stating that the UAE’s national vision prioritizes youth as strategic partners in economic planning. He highlighted that as AI technology evolves rapidly, providing young people with the tools to lead in a digital-first world is a national imperative. According to Al Mulla, the forum demonstrated the efficacy of public-private collaboration in building a resilient and competitive economy, noting that digital transformation is fundamental to improving government service delivery and operational efficiency.
The event featured a central panel discussion moderated by Aisha Saleh, Chairperson of the SCCI Youth Council. The panel included insights from Lieutenant Colonel Abdul Rahim Al Hammadi of the Sharjah Police, Engineer Mohammed Bushlaibi from the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), Mariam Almarzooqi from the SDD, and AI content creator Ebrahim Bolehyool. The discussion explored how government entities are increasingly adopting predictive and smart solutions to enhance public services.
A significant portion of the dialogue focused on the role of data-driven decision-making and the necessity of AI governance to ensure economic stability. Participants analyzed how AI-driven data can improve information accuracy and support the development of proactive, strategic initiatives. The speakers stressed that future foresight is a critical pillar for institutional resilience, allowing organizations to adapt swiftly to technological shifts.
The Sharjah Police General Command’s integration of emerging technologies was highlighted as a practical example of enhancing service responsiveness. The session concluded with a call to action for continued investment in youth capabilities, fostering an environment where creativity and entrepreneurship can flourish. By equipping the next generation with future-ready skills, the speakers argued, the nation can ensure that its youth remain at the forefront of the ongoing digital and economic transformation.
Source: Gulf Today
