Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has approved the new Board for the Emirates Youth Council with Shamma bint Sohail Faris AlMazrui, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, as Chairperson.

The Board will also include seven members representing the seven emirates of the country.

Highlighting the unique Emirati experience in supporting and empowering youth, Sheikh Mohammed said that the future of the UAE depends on harvesting the full potential of youth, whose ambitions fuel development.

Sheikh Mohammed said, "Realising the future development of the UAE necessitates the investment in youth and preparing them to be future leaders across all sectors. Youth are the driving force behind the UAE Centennial 2071 project to make the UAE the best country in the world by 2071."

The council's new Board members are Ahmed Al Suwaidi as a representative of the emirate of Abu Dhabi, Reem Al Nuaimi as a representative of the Emirate of Dubai, Alia Al Huzami as a representative of the Emirate of Sharjah, Shaima Al Hosani as a representative of the Emirate of Ajman, Saif Al Ali as a representative of the Emirate of Umm Al Qaiwain, Meera Al Muhairi as a representative of the Emirate of Ras al-Khaimah, and Sendeya Saad as a representative of the Emirate of Fujairah.

The council advises the government on setting policies and strategies as well as launching and supporting initiatives focused on empowering and encouraging excellence in youth.