‘Gulf Bridges’ a collaborative initiative to empower youth

This program, in partnership with the General Secretariat of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC), brought together 40 young participants from various GCC countries.

The event was hosted at the Holy Quran Academy in Sharjah and drew a large crowd, including representatives from Rubu’ Qarn, the GCC General Secretariat, the Federal Youth Authority, and local community leaders.

The program kicked off with a presentation designed to inspire the youth and highlight the importance of working together for a brighter future.

Hanan Al Mahmoud, a member of the Rubu’ Qarn Board of Trustees, highlighted that “Gulf Bridges” is much more than just a training program. It is a valuable platform designed to raise awareness about leadership and strengthen connections among young people in the Gulf region. She also praised the generous support from Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, the wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Sharjah Family and Community Council. Her Highness believes that young people are the future, and that nurturing their talents is essential for the nation’s progress. Supporting youth development is a key part of Sharjah’s vision for sustainable growth.

She emphasized that the participants embody the hopes and dreams of their countries. The leadership skills the program aims to develop are not about having a specific job title, but about making a positive difference and standing by important values. She encouraged young people to take initiative and shape their own paths instead of simply waiting for opportunities to come to them. Additionally, she highlighted the importance of embracing a genuine Gulf identity in how they think, act, and behave. Al Mahmoud also expressed her gratitude for the ongoing support from the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which has helped turn the program from a concept into a motivating model that brings together the energy and enthusiasm of young people.

Professor Asrar Al Ansari, representing the GCC General Secretariat, affirmed that the “Gulf Bridges” program embodies the shared Gulf approach to empowering youth, and that investing in their conscious leadership capabilities is an investment in the stability of Gulf societies and the sustainability of their achievements. The program aims to unify Gulf efforts, enhance integration among national initiatives, and foster cooperation, dialogue, and joint action among youth in the GCC countries.

The ceremony included honouring the program's partners in success, represented by the GCC General Secretariat, the Arab Parliament for the Child, the Regional Office of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ICESCO), and Holy Quran Academy.