United Arab Emirates Introduces Financial Guidance Program for Youth to Augment Financial Knowledge and Strengthen Emirati Skill Set
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recently launched the Youth Financial Advisors Program, an ambitious initiative designed to equip Emirati youth with expert financial advisory skills and deep financial literacy. This program is a collaborative effort between the Federal Youth Authority (FYA), the Central Bank of the UAE, and the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA).
### Program Details
The Youth Financial Advisors Program targets Emiratis aged between 25 and 32 with relevant academic backgrounds and experience. To be eligible, applicants must be UAE nationals, hold a relevant university degree or equivalent experience, and demonstrate strong communication skills. Proficiency in Arabic and English is also a requirement [1][2].
The program consists of seven core pillars, including fundamentals of financial literacy, monetary economics, entrepreneurial finance, investment strategies, and regulatory frameworks. Over 30 hours of education are distributed over four months, combining theoretical learning with practical experience through workshops, financial hackathons, mentorship sessions, and on-site visits to local and international financial institutions [3].
### Goals and Benefits
The primary goal of the program is to promote financial awareness and knowledge among Emirati youth, supporting their journey towards financial independence. It also encourages the adoption of local and international best practices in financial advisory. Upon completion, participants receive certifications from the FYA and recognition from the SCA as registered Financial Influencers. They also become certified Financial Literacy Trainers by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), enhancing their professional prospects within the financial advisory sector [1][2][3].
The program also promotes social contribution by encouraging advisors to volunteer their knowledge and build a nationwide network of qualified trainers. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s National Youth Agenda 2031 under the “Economy” pillar and falls under the Emirates Youth Professional School [1][2].
### Significance
His Excellency Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, UAE Minister of State for Youth Affairs, highlighted the program's importance as part of empowering Emirati youth to be active community members and drivers of sustainable economic growth. The Youth Financial Advisors Program reflects the UAE’s leadership's commitment to youth empowerment and sustainable economic growth [1][2].
In summary, the Youth Financial Advisors Program is a comprehensive educational and professional development initiative tailored to enhance financial literacy, advisory skills, and economic participation among young Emiratis, thereby fostering future leaders in the UAE’s financial sector. Participants will contribute to the UAE's knowledge-based economy, and the program's focus areas may include leadership and communication skills, in addition to the earlier mentioned seven key focus areas.
- The Youth Financial Advisors Program, a cooperation between the Federal Youth Authority (FYA), the Central Bank of the UAE, and the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), aims to equip Emirati youth with expert financial advisory skills and deep financial literacy, as part of a strategy to ensure a prosperous future economy.
- By offering education and practical experience in areas such as entrepreneurial finance, investment strategies, and regulatory frameworks, this program invests in the leadership potential of Emirati youth, empowering them to take on roles in business, education-and-self-development, and finance.
- Through collaboration and volunteer work, program participants can contribute to the development of their country, helping to build a knowledge-based economy driven by financially literate and skilled leaders.
- This initiative aligns with the UAE’s National Youth Agenda 2031 and the Emirates Youth Professional School, reinforcing the government’s commitment to empowering youth for sustainable economic growth and leadership.
- Upon completion, participants in the Youth Financial Advisors Program will receive certifications that open doors to promising careers in the financial sector, while also making a meaningful impact on their communities through education and collaboration.