Arab Youth Driving Creativity and Innovation

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The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre has revealed exciting new insights into the ambitions and creativity of young Arabs across the region. The findings were announced during the 2025 Congress of Arabic & Creative Industries, an important event that celebrates innovation, culture, and creativity in the Arab world.

The research, carried out in partnership with a leading research company, focused on Arab youth aged 18–25 across ten countries, including the UAE, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Syria. The study explored how young people view their cultural identity, the Arabic language, technology, creativity, and their future career goals in the creative industries.

One of the most notable results shows that young Arabs are proud of their language and culture. They see Arabic not just as a tool for communication but as a core part of who they are. At the same time, they want the language to evolve to meet the needs of modern science, technology, and innovation. In fact, three out of four respondents said that Arabic should be further developed for use in areas like artificial intelligence and digital technologies.

The study also highlighted the growing interest of Arab youth in creative careers. Many of them expressed a strong desire to work in fields like digital creativity, entrepreneurship, arts, media, and technology. While they are excited about new opportunities, they remain cautious about the challenges and potential risks of artificial intelligence. This reflects a balanced approach where young Arabs want to embrace innovation while preserving their cultural values.

Education, digital skills, and cultural engagement were other important areas identified in the research. Young people said they value education highly and see it as the foundation for success in creative industries. They also believe that digital tools and social media play an important role in shaping their creative work, connecting them with global audiences, and showcasing Arab culture to the world.

The UAE emerged as a central focus in the study. Out of 4,092 respondents, 31% said they would most like to live and work in the UAE, while 34% identified the country as the most supportive place for youth in creative industries. This reinforces the UAE’s reputation as a hub for business, innovation, and opportunities where young talent can thrive and realize their ambitions.

The research also examined the challenges faced by young Arabs as they plan their futures. Many highlighted obstacles such as limited resources, the need for more investment in Arabic-language technologies, and the importance of mentorship and training programs. Despite these challenges, the overall sentiment among youth was one of optimism and determination. They are ready to contribute to shaping the region’s future in culture, innovation, and creativity.

This study offers a fresh perspective on the potential of Arab youth to influence the creative and cultural landscape. It shows a generation that respects its heritage, values the Arabic language, and is ready to adapt and innovate in a rapidly changing world. With strong support from countries like the UAE, Arab youth have the chance to drive growth, creativity, and cultural influence across the region.

The research findings are expected to guide policymakers, educational institutions, and industry leaders to provide better support, resources, and opportunities for young Arabs. By understanding their ambitions, challenges, and perspectives, governments and organizations can create an environment where creativity and innovation flourish, while also preserving and modernizing the region’s cultural identity.

Arab youth, creativity, Arabic language, UAE, cultural identity