Many young people in the UAE struggle to find quality internship opportunities that provide meaningful work experience and essential skill development. The limited availability of structured internship programs, combined with high competition and many unpaid positions, hampers their ability to gain valuable experience as they transition from education to the workforce.

To address this issue, we propose a collaborative effort between the UAE government and the private sector to expand internship opportunities for youth. We recommend incentivizing companies with tax benefits for creating structured, paid internships and promoting participation across diverse industries, including technology, healthcare, and the arts. Establishing minimum standards for internships and creating a national portal for verified listings would also make opportunities more accessible.

Enhancing internship access aligns with the UAE’s commitment to empowering its youth and fostering a skilled workforce. By working together, we can facilitate skill development, reduce youth unemployment, and support Emiratization goals. We respectfully urge the UAE government and private sector to take these constructive steps for the benefit of our youth and the nation.