ABU DHABI — The United Arab Emirates is accelerating efforts to equip its youth with digital and security skills as part of a broader strategy to transition toward an innovation-driven, knowledge-based economy.
During a tour of the Sheikh Zayed Summer Festival 2026, UAE Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan reviewed programs hosted by the UAE Cyber Security Council and Abu Dhabi Police. The interactive workshops focus on data protection, privacy, and digital safety for students aged 6 to 18.
“Investment in people begins with building awareness and equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to keep pace with rapid transformations,” Sheikh Mansour said. “Promoting a culture of security and safety, strengthening digital awareness, and preparing qualified national talent in technical fields are key pillars for sustaining development and reinforcing the UAE’s leadership in building an innovation-driven knowledge economy.”
The initiative underscores the Gulf state’s push to align youth development with its long-term economic objectives. The joint programming incorporates practical training and immersive platforms, including virtual and augmented reality tools, to introduce young participants to cybersecurity fundamentals and emerging tech fields.
The security camps managed by Abu Dhabi Police also address broader community safety topics, including drug prevention, digital risk mitigation, and civil responsibility.
The festival represents the country’s first fully integrated summer program combining education, technology, heritage, and sports across four core pillars. Designed to convert summer break into a platform for skill acquisition and talent discovery, the initiative reflects a coordinated push among UAE national institutions to build a workforce ready for future technical challenges.
