Second Youth Social Missions cohort joins UAE aid in Al Arish

November 16, 2025 / 9:02 PM

Sharjah 24 – WAM: The second cohort of the Youth Social Missions Programme has arrived in Al Arish, Egypt, to participate in Operation Chivalrous Knight 3. The group includes 10 young Emiratis eager to contribute to the UAE’s humanitarian efforts and witness firsthand the support being provided to Gaza.

Field training and observations

During the mission, participants will undergo an intensive field programme, learning about the operations at the UAE’s humanitarian aid logistics centre. They will also visit the UAE Floating Hospital to understand its medical services for Gaza’s injured and tour the UAE desalination plants to see how water is secured for Gaza residents. Additionally, the cohort will visit the Rafah border crossing to observe aid delivery and coordination processes.

Youth reflections

Fatima Mohammed Al Shehhi, a member of the cohort, stated, “Our goal in this experience is to represent the UAE in the best possible way and to convey the message that the UAE’s generosity knows no bounds.” Hamid Abdullah Al Ansari added, “We are taking part in this experience to learn about the humanitarian and volunteer work provided by the UAE and to try—even in a small way—to ease the suffering of our brothers and sisters in Gaza.”

Programme objectives

The Youth Social Missions Programme, launched by the Federal Youth Authority in August, trains and empowers Emirati youth for humanitarian, developmental, and cultural missions worldwide. It aims to prepare qualified national cadres capable of working on the ground, handling responsibilities during crises, and fostering a culture of volunteerism and social responsibility aligned with UAE values.

National and international significance

The programme is part of the “Community and Values” pillar of the National Youth Agenda 2031, preparing youth to represent the UAE in missions of national priority. The multi-year initiative includes theoretical training and fieldwork to cultivate humanitarian ambassadors and enhance the UAE’s positive global presence.

Al Arish: Hub of humanitarian operations

Al Arish serves as a key hub for Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, hosting a fully integrated logistics center, the UAE Floating Hospital, and desalination plants in Rafah. These facilities demonstrate the UAE’s effective and sustainable approach to humanitarian response, providing rapid aid and essential services to Gaza during times of crisis.