Amazon has launched the Amazon Youth Council (AYC) in the UAE, a group of 14 young Emirati professionals from Amazon and AWS charged with mentoring the next generation of Emirati talent. The launch, timed to International Youth Day on 12 August, is a collaboration with the UAE’s Federal Youth Authority.
The council’s remit covers mentorship, skills building and youth-led community initiatives, with the stated aim of preparing Emirati youth for careers in AI, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. Programmes run both inside and outside Amazon: technology training, skill-building workshops, knowledge-sharing seminars, and connections to Amazon’s global innovation network.
There is an internal brief too. The council is meant to celebrate Emirati identity, values and customs among Amazon’s own employees — a cultural integration play as much as a talent one.
The council has not waited for its launch to do something. A few weeks after forming, it staged a Youth Day activation at Amazon’s Dubai office, putting Emirati entrepreneurs and homegrown brands in front of employees. The “Youth Hub” included an exhibition of Emirati entrepreneurs, a business and innovation competition, booths on culture, wellness, sustainability and AI, a Shark Tank-style competition, and traditional Emirati food and drink.
“At Amazon, we believe in the power of continuous learning and curiosity to unlock potential, and the Amazon Youth Council brings that spirit to the next generation of Emirati talent. Together with the Federal Youth Authority, we look forward to creating lasting impact for the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers.”
Ronaldo Mouchawar, vice president of Amazon Middle East, Africa and Turkey
Mouchawar’s counterpart at the authority was Jassim Al Obaidli.
“The launch of the Amazon Youth Council represents the power of meaningful collaboration between the public and private sectors in creating opportunities for young people. By combining Amazon’s global expertise with our shared commitment to youth empowerment, we are equipping Emirati youth with the skills, experiences and confidence they need to shape the future and contribute to the UAE’s continued growth and success.”
Jassim Al Obaidli, director of youth interaction and head of the Youth Councils Network at the Federal Youth Authority
What Amazon’s UAE youth push looks like so far
The council is the latest in a series of Amazon UAE moves aimed at local talent. In February the company brought its innovation expertise to AUD’s graduate micro-master programme, and its Abu Dhabi fulfilment centre anchors the local operation. Amazon UAE frames all of it as support for the country’s push to build a digital economy around homegrown talent.
What is the Amazon Youth Council?
The Amazon Youth Council (AYC) is an employee-led council of 14 young Emirati professionals from Amazon and AWS. Launched with the UAE’s Federal Youth Authority on International Youth Day (12 August), it runs mentorship, skills-building and community programmes for Emirati youth, with an internal brief to celebrate Emirati culture among Amazon employees.
Is the Amazon Youth Council open to people outside Amazon?
Yes. Programmes run within and outside Amazon, including technology training, skill-building workshops, knowledge-sharing seminars, mentorship opportunities and community volunteering initiatives for Emirati youth.
Who is Ronaldo Mouchawar?
Ronaldo Mouchawar is vice president of Amazon Middle East, Africa and Turkey. He previously led Souq.com, which Amazon acquired in 2017.
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