The Federal Youth Authority (FYA), in partnership with the Central Bank of the UAE and the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), has launched the ‘Youth Financial Advisors Program’ to develop financial expertise among Emirati youth.
The initiative aims to build a generation of skilled financial advisors capable of promoting financial literacy and contributing to national economic growth. Launched under the ‘Economy’ pillar of the National Youth Agenda 2031, and as part of the Emirates Youth Professional School initiative, the program will enhance young people’s understanding of personal finance, savings, investment, and financial systems.
It is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to become role models in the financial advisory field and foster a culture of financial awareness and independence among Emirati youth.
The Youth Financial Advisors Program combines academic knowledge and practical experience across seven key focus areas: financial literacy fundamentals, monetary and financial economics, entrepreneurial finance, finance and investment, financial systems and regulations, content creation, and training skills. It also includes certifications endorsed by national financial authorities.
Speaking at the launch, His Excellency Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, UAE Minister of State for Youth Affairs, highlighted the broader national vision behind the program.
Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi UAE Minister of State for Youth Affairs
“The UAE’s wise leadership has long prioritized empowering Emirati youth and arming them with the necessary values and mindset to be active members of the community, a commitment that stems from the leadership’s firm belief that the youth are the backbone of sustainable economic growth. Enhancing young people’s know-how and skillset across various sectors becomes an imperative necessity for moulding a generation of future leaders, capable of playing effective and meaningful roles in the efforts to turn the nation’s aspirations into reality. Promoting financial literacy among young people is a primary element of our national strategy. Enhancing the knowledge and capabilities of the participants in the ‘Youth Financial Advisors Program’ is a fundamental step to ensure their ability to manage their own finances, which lays the foundations for a stable and sustainable future.”
His Excellency Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE, reaffirmed the importance of the initiative in driving financial inclusion and advancing youth capability in the sector. HE Balama added that the launch of ‘Youth Financial Advisors Program’ reflects the nation’s ongoing commitment to train young Emirati professionals specializing in various financial fields, enable them to actively engage in and contribute to the sector, and support the establishment of a knowledge- and innovation-based economy that ensures sustainable development for generations to come.
The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) is also playing a key role in the initiative. His Excellency Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi, CEO of SCA, described the Youth Financial Advisors Program as a strategic investment in the country’s youth and future economy.
4-months structured education
The program offers more than 30 hours of structured education over four months, blending theoretical and hands-on learning. Participants will attend in-person workshops, visit financial institutions, and participate in a financial hackathon. They will also benefit from placements in local and international organizations, discussion-led reading sessions, and mentorship from industry experts.
A key component of the initiative is community engagement. Participants are expected to deliver financial literacy sessions on a volunteer basis to other youths, further reinforcing a culture of shared learning and social contribution. The program also aims to establish a national network of certified financial literacy trainers and advisors.
Applicants Guide
To join the Youth Financial Advisors Program, applicants must be UAE nationals aged between 25 and 32, holding a university degree in business, finance, law, economics, or related fields. Candidates with relevant work experience, either one year in a related academic field or three years in the financial sector are eligible.
Applicants must demonstrate strong communication and leadership skills, motivation for joining, and proficiency in both Arabic and English. These criteria are designed to ensure participants can fully benefit from the program and effectively contribute to promoting financial literacy in their communities.
Participants who successfully complete the Youth Financial Advisors Program will receive a certificate of completion from the FYA, a registered Financial Influencer credential from the SCA, and certification as a Financial Literacy Trainer from the Central Bank of the UAE. These credentials aim to boost participants’ professional standing and enhance their employability in the financial advisory sector. The initiative supports the broader objective of empowering Emirati youth with specialized skills aligned with national workforce needs.
The ‘Youth Financial Advisors Program’ reflects the UAE’s strategic focus on preparing the next generation of financial professionals who will play a pivotal role in shaping a robust, inclusive, and sustainable economic future.
