Hamdan Foundation and National Bonds Collaborate to Enhance Financial Literacy Among Youth
In a progressive step towards fostering financial literacy among the younger generation, the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, in partnership with National Bonds, hosted an insightful workshop for 54 students. This initiative took place as a key part of the “Tomorrow’s Skills Summer Forum 2026,” a program aimed at equipping participants with indispensable money management and financial planning skills.
Under the theme “Aware – Towards Financial and Knowledge Intelligence,” this interactive workshop was designed to introduce students to crucial financial concepts through engaging activities that encourage lifelong financial competence. The forum has established itself as a vital platform for nurturing the skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly complex economic environment.
Participants delved into a comprehensive curriculum that encompassed essential topics such as financial mindset development, personal budgeting techniques, smart spending habits, saving strategies, investment options, long-term financial planning, credit management, insurance basics, and cyber-security measures against financial fraud. As the financial landscape evolves, students also had the opportunity to investigate contemporary investment avenues, including gold and cryptocurrencies, as well as the implications of artificial intelligence in financial decision-making processes.
His Excellency Dr. Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, articulated the significance of financial literacy, emphasizing it as a vital life skill that complements academic and technical education. He stated, “Preparing future generations goes beyond developing academic and technical capabilities. It also requires equipping them with the life skills needed to make responsible decisions across every aspect of their lives. Financial literacy empowers young people to plan effectively, manage resources wisely, and navigate today’s rapidly evolving economic landscape with confidence.”
Dr. Al Suwaidi reaffirmed the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to educational initiatives that integrate theoretical knowledge with practical applications, thereby preparing students for success both within educational institutions and in their personal lives beyond the classroom walls.
Rehab Lootah, Group Deputy Chief Executive Officer of National Bonds, echoed this sentiment by highlighting the organization’s longstanding dedication to financial education, which has been an integral facet of its strategy for over two decades. She remarked, “Financial awareness is not simply a skill but a way of life that begins in childhood and continues throughout every stage of life. Through initiatives that engage children, students, families, employees, and retirees, we aim to foster a more financially aware and resilient society.”
Lootah further underscored how this collaboration builds upon the achievements of National Bonds’ “Young Investor” program, which urges the practices of saving, investing, and financial planning from a young age, reinforcing the overarching goals of the UAE’s “Year of the Family 2026.”
The workshop utilized interactive exercises that not only imparted financial theories but also allowed students to apply these concepts to real-world scenarios. This hands-on approach significantly bolstered their decision-making skills and enhanced their self-assurance in managing personal finances.
The financial literacy session is a vital component of the “Tomorrow’s Skills Summer Forum 2026,” a further initiative by the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, which offers diverse programs in gifted education, innovation, advanced technologies, and essential life skills. These initiatives are designed to prepare young people for a knowledge-driven and innovation-centric future, thus empowering the next generation with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly interconnected economy.
In summary, the collaboration between the Hamdan Foundation and National Bonds marks a significant step in addressing the financial literacy skills gap among youth in the UAE. By reinforcing the importance of financial knowledge and practical application through innovative educational workshops, these organizations are playing a crucial role in shaping a financially informed citizenry, equipped to make sound economic choices in an ever-evolving financial landscape.
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