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You are the future, not oil: Sheikh Mohamed tells UAE youth

Abu Dhabi - "You must be better than us, and better than your fathers and grandfathers. This is not an option, you must do this."

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In an inspiring speech on Wednesday, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, invoked the Emirati youth to think out of the box for the betterment of the country.
"You are the hope of this nation, you are the future of this nation, not the barrels of oil," Sheikh Mohamed told a 3000-strong crowd of Emirati students on the final day of the 'Mohamed bin Zayed Majlis for Future Generations,' held in the UAE Capital.
In his moving speech, Sheikh Mohamed addressed the students and military servicemen as his sons and daughters. "I am speaking to you as if I am speaking to my own children in my own home. It is very important to think out loud."
Sheikh Mohamed said he is proud to see how far the UAE has come in less than 50 years. However, he warned the young students to not take opportunities for granted, as the future will become more complex than today.
"When I was 15-years-old, my father asked me to travel with him to Pakistan, but I never knew there was a country called Pakistan, in fact, I never knew there was a country outside of Abu Dhabi."
"Today, my daughter Hessa is 15-years-old and she wrote a note for me to read, which I forgot to bring. Her note took me back to my history and made me realise not only how bright her ideas are but how time has made the world more complex."
He then pointed out that the knowledge gained and shared through and by technology, has allowed the young generations to truly think of ideas outside the box in order to improve their country.
And it is needed in a world, which currently faces immense challenges, destabilisation and uncertainty.
"The knowledge and technology you are using today is among the best in the world," he said.
Sheikh Mohamed added that instead of focusing on quantity, the government focuses on quality, "to ensure the new generation are well equipped with knowledge, education, technology and science, and will be able to compete with the rest of the world."
"You must be better than us, and better than your fathers and grandfathers. This is not an option, you must do this."
Also during his candid, yet light-hearted speech, where he shared special memories of his childhood, personal thoughts, ideas and advice, Sheikh Mohamed referred to a number of motivational passages from the 'Reflections on Happiness and Positivity,' published by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, just last week at the 'Emirates Airline Festival of Literature.'
The passages highlighted the importance of 'mind over matter,' and how one's positive outlook on life could eventually determine where he or she will be in the future.
"If your point of view is positive, you will see the challenges in the future as opportunities."
"The worst thing you can ever do is to wait; waiting is a waste of time and a waste of years and missed accomplishments."

'Volleyball a hobby, not profession'

Sheikh Mohammed said that it is thus up to the students to make the most of the present and plan where they want to head in the future.
"If you are studying at university and want to change your major, you can do that. But do not choose a career based on what you like, choose something that you are professional and serious about."
"We might like to play volleyball, but this is a hobby, not a profession."
He also thanked the 3,000 students, particularly the future engineers of the UAE, who he said have created awe inspiring projects and innovations.
"Although we live in an unstable region, I am optimistic that the UAE will continue to be the light that illuminates the darkest nights, and despite the challenges, we continue to send out positive messages to the world."
Before winding up his speech, Sheikh Mohammed shared a solid advise with all the young men and women who might be continuing their studies overseas.
"I want everyone to know that you are the ambassadors of the country, and to therefore represent the country well. Do not ever be arrogant when it comes to your country's reputation."
"Anything positive you do will be remembered by the world as a good Emirati deed, but any negative step you make, will reflect on your country. So you have a responsibility of protecting your country's image, especially when you are abroad."
The Majlis was attended by royal family members including Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rahid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs; Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council.
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com