Photo Credit : WAM
The Sharjah Youth Council, in collaboration with the Department of Civil Aviation’s Youth Council, has organised a youth-focused session aimed at empowering the next generation of aviation professionals and increasing their participation in the sector.
The session, titled “Empowering Youth in the Aviation Sector,” was held at the Sharjah Space and Astronomy Hub and brought together senior officials, aviation experts, and representatives from academic and youth institutions to discuss opportunities, challenges, and future career pathways in the industry.
Among the attendees were Sheikh Khalid bin Issam Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Civil Aviation in Sharjah; Sheikh Sultan bin Abdullah Al Thani; Khaled Mohammed Al Nuaimi; and Shihab Ahmed Al Hammadi, along with industry specialists and youth representatives.
Speaking during the session, Sheikh Khalid bin Issam Al Qasimi reaffirmed the department’s commitment to nurturing national talent through strategic partnerships and advanced education and training programmes aligned with the evolving needs of the aviation sector. He emphasised the importance of raising early awareness among students about career opportunities in aviation.
He also highlighted the sector’s vital role as a key contributor to the UAE economy and its significance in driving GDP growth, stressing the need for continued investment in developing skilled Emirati professionals to sustain global competitiveness.
Discussions during the session focused on the economic importance of aviation, available academic and professional pathways, and the role of preparatory programmes in supporting young people’s transition into higher education and employment. Participants also explored challenges related to access to training and proposed solutions to ease entry into the workforce.
Key recommendations included the launch of a specialised training programme in collaboration with the Sharjah Training Centre for Airports Science, targeting students interested in aviation careers. In addition, participants proposed a 50 percent reduction in tourism licence insurance fees for young applicants, in coordination with the Department of Civil Aviation in Sharjah, to encourage youth participation in related sectors.
