Group photo with UAE Minister of Youth and AYC
The Young Arab Pioneers initiative has received 150,000 dollars in funding from General Motors to support 11 innovators across the Middle East and North Africa. The Arab Youth Center announced the funding following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the automotive company.
The agreement expands a joint initiative that began in 2021. Both entities aim to assist emerging talent in critical disciplines including healthcare, education, and clean transport.
Expanding the Young Arab Pioneers Initiative
Selected members of the Young Arab Pioneers represent seven nations: the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Algeria, and Syria. The individuals are conducting research and building practical solutions in multiple emerging industries.
Their work spans quantum computing, digital-twin systems, electric mobility, software training, creative platforms, and specialized medical hardware. The financial backing supplies each participant with capital to advance technical trials and reach broader markets.
Technological and Medical Innovation Projects
Among the recipients, Akram Amir of AR Engineering is creating augmented reality systems for defence training modules. In addition, Kareem Ayyad created ai.Uktob, an Arabic generative AI tool that currently serves more than 400,000 users.
Yousra Farhani conducts advanced quantum-computing research in Algeria, while Emirati innovator Rashid Ahmad Al Salmi builds systems for electric transport. Biomedical engineers Nisreen Almadi and Hekma Jabouli are manufacturing specialized prosthetics and robotic exoskeletons to assist individuals with physical impairments.
“The true value of partnerships lies in their ability to shorten the distance between talent and opportunity. Across the Arab world, young people are building ideas, projects and technologies with the potential to grow and contribute to the future of our economies and societies.”
Eng Fatima Al Hallami, Executive Director of Arab Youth Center
Education and Career Mentorship Pathways
Several awardees focus on educational expansion and career progression. Mohammed Saud Al-Otaibi founded Wathba in Saudi Arabia to guide young professionals through structured peer mentoring networks.
Mohamed Gawish created iSchool, providing training in coding, data science, and artificial intelligence to children across the region. Egyptian entrepreneur Hadeer Shalaby has taught 350,000 participants while helping generate nearly 10,000 jobs in underserved regions. Ahmed Bayram assists displaced youth with startup creation, and Sharifah Alhinai operates creative showcases across Gulf states.
Long-Term Industry Collaboration and Outlook
The Arab Youth Center and General Motors have conducted interactive seminars and manufacturing training modules over the past five years. Consequently, participants gained direct contact with regional technical leaders.
The Young Arab Pioneers program remains central to this joint framework. As General Motors observes 100 years of regional operations, both entities plan to maintain dedicated career opportunities for rising innovators across regional economies.
