Fifth Young Arab Diplomatic Leaders programme welcomed to Abu Dhabi

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted the fifth Young Arab Diplomatic Leaders Programme in Abu Dhabi, receiving 53 emerging diplomats and presenting its Smart Mission consular prototype.

Fifth Young Arab Diplomatic Leaders programme convenes in Abu Dhabi

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed participants to the fifth edition of the Young Arab Diplomatic Leaders Programme, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. The initiative runs in partnership with the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, the Arab Youth Centre and several leading Arab and international academic and diplomatic institutions.

Omar Obaid Alhesan Alshamsi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, received a delegation of 53 emerging leaders in diplomacy and international affairs representing more than 15 Arab countries. He conveyed the greetings of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and underlined the programme’s role as a platform for exchanging expertise and strengthening cooperation among young Arab diplomats.

Delegates attended a presentation outlining the Ministry’s work to develop smart, integrated government services that meet customer expectations while enhancing efficiency and quality. Particular emphasis was placed on digital transformation across consular services and on ways such systems can support diplomacy in a rapidly changing international environment.

Participants were introduced to the “Smart Mission” project, described by the Ministry as the first of its kind globally. The project aims to provide a fully integrated digital experience for consular affairs and attendees toured a prototype designed to demonstrate those capabilities. The prototype employs artificial intelligence solutions alongside advanced display technologies, including 3D visuals and holograms, and features a multilingual virtual employee intended to enable direct access to consular services without human intervention.

The Young Arab Diplomatic Leaders Programme is recognised among the Arab world’s leading diplomatic training initiatives. It offers young professionals opportunities to study crisis diplomacy with contributions from prominent Arab and international institutions, while developing analytical and critical-thinking skills relevant to modern diplomatic practice.

By convening emerging diplomats and exposing them to digital innovations in public service delivery, the Ministry says the programme aims to help shape the future of Arab diplomacy and enhance its presence on the international stage.

Source: WAM