Young people in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries desire early independence and the opportunity to turn their passion into a sustainable career, according to a study. They also want this career to be mutually beneficial for them and for their wider communities. Expo 2020 Dubai has worked with market research firm, YouGov, to gather the opinions of youth in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and other Gulf countries, on their hopes and ambitions, as well as areas of interest including hobbies, perspectives, role models and influencers. The study found that the favorite topic of interest of Saudi youth is technology, that they are most interested in working in the travel sector, and that they get most of their information from websites and social media. The YouGov study sought the views of 1,140 male and female students and graduates, between the ages of 16 and 25, who are residents of the GCC. It found that social media and online communication are the main sources of information for individuals of this demographic. The study also found that the top aspirations of GCC youth in terms of family, are to be able to raise their own household, be reliable in order to support it, and create stability and peace of mind in the family environment. Youth wish to inspire positive change and to impact their communities through innovation, as well as to have a sustainable impact on the world. In employment, youth seek equal opportunities for men and women; females are considering careers in traditionally more masculine fields such as aviation. They are in favor of achieving independence through internships and jobs, and would like to experience educational opportunities abroad and partake in a multicultural environment. The study showed a desire among youth to travel internationally. Expo 2020 is bringing people together as part of its theme of connecting minds, creating the future. Youth engagement initiatives will provide skills, inspiration, connections, and opportunities for young people so they can play a central role in creating a better future. Expo 2020 Dubai's youth engagement initiatives include: YouthConnect, an annual event designed by youth for youth and provides them with the opportunity to gain new perspectives and discover new areas of interest to unlock their full potential and shape their own future. This year's event targets youth from the GCC between the ages of 16-25. HIPA (Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award) collaboration: a photography competition for young people in the GCC, based on Expo 2020's subthemes of Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability. Progress is underway at the 4.38 square kilometer Expo site in Dubai South. Last week, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, broke ground at the site and inaugurated the first of four packages of infrastructure work worth AED 1.3 billion in total. Manal AlBayat, Vice President of Engagement at Expo 2020 Dubai, said: "Expo 2020 will be a defining moment for the UAE and the wider region. The opportunities, skills and experiences that the youth gain from the mega event will be an important contribution to Expo's legacy. Engaging the youth through targeted initiatives will empower them to develop into the innovators and leaders of tomorrow."
