Abu Dhabi Hosts Scouting Leaders and Youth Forum Under Khalid bin Mohamed's Patronage

The UAE will host over 500,000 Arab scouts and youth leaders in Abu Dhabi this November for the 31st Arab Scout Conference and 6th Arab Scout Youth Forum. This marks the first time the Emirates has hosted the regional conference since 1988, when it was held under the patronage of the country's founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, will sponsor the November 9-21 event. The conference brings together scouts from 19 national organizations across the Arab world, representing a movement that has grown significantly over the past three years.

The timing reflects the UAE's broader strategy to position itself as a regional hub for youth development. The country has invested heavily in programs that engage young people in leadership roles and global issues. This conference gives the UAE another platform to showcase its organizational capabilities to Arab nations.

Dr. Salem Abdulrahman Al Dharmaki, Deputy Chairman of the Arab Scout Committee and Chairman of the UAE Scout Association, said the event renews the country's commitment to building character and values through scouting. He emphasized that hosting the conference aligns with the UAE leadership's focus on youth as a national priority.

The conference will handle significant organizational business. Participants will vote on constitutional amendments, elect new members to the Arab Scout Committee, and select host countries for upcoming regional events. These include the 34th Arab Scout Camp in 2026, the 6th Arab Educational Scout Forum in 2027, and the 32nd Arab Scout Conference in 2028.

Running alongside the main conference, the 6th Arab Scout Youth Forum will take place from November 9-14. This forum targets participants aged 18-26 and focuses on pressing regional and global issues. Workshop topics include peacebuilding, climate change, social inclusion, and sustainable development.

Dr. Abdullah Al Turaiqi, Chairman of the Arab Scout Committee, praised the UAE's organizational readiness for the event. He noted that having the Crown Prince's patronage demonstrates exceptional support for youth development in the region.

The Arab scouting movement has expanded to include approximately 515,000 scouts across 19 national associations. This growth comes as Arab countries increasingly recognize scouting as a tool for youth engagement and leadership development. The movement provides structured programs that teach practical skills while fostering civic responsibility.

For the UAE, hosting this conference serves multiple purposes. It strengthens the country's ties with Arab neighbors while showcasing its capacity to organize large-scale regional events. The UAE has successfully hosted numerous international conferences and summits, building a reputation as a neutral meeting ground for regional discussions.

Dr. Hani Abdel Moneim, Secretary-General of the Arab Scout Organization, described the conference as more than just an institutional gathering. He said it serves as a dialogue platform where the Arab scout movement renews its unified commitment to the future, ensuring scouts continue playing a central role in youth empowerment and innovation across the Arab world.