Arab Youth Centre Empowers 400 Young Arabs with New Economy Programme in Tech and Business

The Arab Youth Centre (AYC) has launched an ambitious initiative, the New Economy Programme 2026, designed to equip 400 young Arabs with critical knowledge about how technology, sustainability, and creativity are transforming careers and businesses. In a significant collaboration with the New Economy Academy (NEA), the programme welcomed its inaugural cohort of 100 participants on Tuesday in Dubai. This entirely online programme, delivered in Arabic, will run through four cohorts this month, bringing together young men and women from across the Arab world to delve into the major shifts occurring in labour markets and entrepreneurship.

The curriculum is structured around four key themes: the fundamental principles of the new economy, encompassing artificial intelligence, blockchain, and digital infrastructure; the impact of technology on industries and labour markets, including the rise of the platform and gig economies; the integration of green and circular economies with AI governance; and the dynamics of the experience and creative economies, focusing on how culture and creative content drive economic value.

Each cohort will undergo an intensive eight-hour training session spread over two days. Upon successful completion, participants will be awarded electronic certificates jointly issued by the AYC and NEA. Fatima Al Hallami, Executive Director of the AYC, emphasized the importance of investing in youth knowledge for fostering more diverse and competitive Arab economies. "Through our partnership with the New Economy Academy, we aim to help young Arabs understand economic change, make informed career decisions and establish businesses that meet their communities' needs," stated Ms Al Hallami. "By connecting their ambitions with development priorities, we strengthen their contribution to sustainable economic growth."

The NEA will facilitate the programme using specialist trainers and experts, blending economic theories with practical discussions on their real-world applications across various industries and markets. This initiative aligns with a broader regional effort to prepare younger generations for the rapidly evolving labour markets shaped by digitalization, sustainability demands, and the increasing economic significance of creative industries.