On the sidelines of the 2024 Knowledge Summit, in an episode of the “Money Secrets” podcast, economic content creator Ahmed Algamal hosted Abdallah Al Dardari, Assistant Secretary-General, Assistant Administrator, and Director of the Regional Bureau for Arab States, United Nations Development Program. Al Dardari emphasized that shifting toward a knowledge economy is an urgent priority to bridge the skills gap between Arab youth and the labor market, and to build a sustainable economy capable of creating competitive opportunities.
He explained that the “Future Skills Academy,” launched in collaboration with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, aims to equip one million young Arabs with the skills needed for the digital and AI-driven economy. The first phase of the program has already trained over 9,500 participants.
Al Dardari warned that many Arab economies remain stuck in rent-based models and cautioned that brain drain will continue unless a true knowledge-based environment is created. He called for the development of core skills such as critical and creative thinking, starting from early education and extending through to higher education.
He praised the UAE as a model for youth empowerment and effective use of technology, stressing that building a knowledge society requires integration between government policies, education systems, and market demand for knowledge products.
He concluded with a message to Arab youth: “Read… for knowledge is the only asset that doesn’t diminish with use—it grows.” He affirmed that meaningful change starts with knowledge and that Arab youth can lead if given the right opportunity.