United Arab Emirates welcomes Scouting leadership for the Arab Regional Scout Conference and Youth Forum

6 minutes
Participants talking in the Arab Youth Forum
World Scout Bureau

The United Arab Emirates will host the 31st Arab Regional Scout Conference and the 6th Arab Regional Scout Youth Forum from 9 to 21 November 2025 under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Organised by the Arab Scout Region and the Arab Scout Organization, the events will be hosted by the Emirates Scout Association, the country’s official National Scout Organization, bringing together young people and Scouting’s leadership from across the Arab world to advance the region’s commitment to Scouting education and youth development. The events are also an opportunity to recognise the achievements of the past triennium, and celebrate the growth and impact of Scouting in the Arab region, which now includes a membership of 515,000 Scouts across 19 National Scout Organizations.
“It is a great honor for the Emirates Scout Association to host the 31st Arab Scout Conference in Abu Dhabi, following over three decades since we hosted the 18th Conference in 1988, under the esteemed patronage of the late founding leader, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. This is a historic moment in which we reaffirm our commitment to the Scout mission of building individuals and instilling values. This event reflects the visionary guidance of our wise leadership, which places youth at the heart of national priorities, and aligns with the UAE's overarching vision of human development and empowerment. In close collaboration with both local and federal partners, the Association has worked diligently to ensure the success of this significant Arab event."
Dr. Salem Abdulrahman Al Darmaki
Chairperson of the Emirates Scout Association and Deputy Chairperson of the Arab Scout Committee

Held once every three years, the Arab Regional Scout Conference will take place from 15 to 21 November and represents the highest decision-making body within the Arab Scout Region، as its general assembly for the Arab member organisations. This year’s event is particularly significant as it marks the first opportunity within the region to implement the new Strategy for Scouting, which was unanimously adopted at the 43rd World Scout Conference in Egypt in 2024. With a vision to offer transformative learning experiences and an inclusive environment for every young person involved in Scouting, the strategy seeks to position the Scout Movement as a leading force for promoting peace, youth leadership and sustainability. 

The Conference will offer a strategic platform for dialogue and collaboration between National Scout Organization leadership, together with government and non-governmental partners, to shape the future direction of Scouting in the Arab region. Throughout the event, delegates will adopt conference resolutions and constitutional amendments, elect new members to the Arab Regional Scout Committee, and select of host countries for upcoming regional events including the 34th Arab Scout Camp in 2026, the 6th Arab Scout Educational Forum in 2027, and the 32nd Arab Regional Scout Conference and 7th Arab Regional Scout Youth Forum in 2028. Beyond the formal proceedings, participants will also take part in a vibrant cultural evening reflecting the hospitality and spirit of Scouting in the United Arab Emirates and the wider Arab region.
Participants talking in the Arab Youth Forum
World Scout Bureau
"We greatly value the significant role played by the Emirates Scout Association in the success of this prominent Arab event, and the high level of organisational readiness they have demonstrated, which reflects a proud image of the UAE to the Arab world. The convening of the Conference under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan embodies the exceptional support provided by the wise leadership to young people, and reaffirms that the future is built by the minds and hands of today’s generation,"
Dr. Abdullah Alturaiji
Chairperson of the Arab Scout Committee
“This conference is not merely an organizational meeting; it serves as a platform for dialogue where the Arab Scout Movement reaffirms its collective commitment to shaping a better future. Scouting continues to play a pivotal role in empowering youth, fostering innovation, and building strong partnerships across the Arab world. The conference will address the new triennial plan, highlight youth-led initiatives, and adopt collaborative projects between Arab Scout Associations aimed at enhancing efficiency, governance, and effective leadership. These efforts underscore the essential value of Scouting in developing young people into active, responsible citizens who contribute to the progress of their communities and the world,"
Dr. Hany Abdulmonem
Regional Director for the Arab Support Centre and Secretary General of the Arab Scout Organization

Preceding the Conference, the 6th Arab Scout Youth Forum is scheduled to take place from 9 to 14 November 2025, and will convene youth delegates between the ages of 18 to 26, to learn and contribute to the future direction of the Arab Scout Movement. The Forum will provide an opportunity for youth participants to engage in discussions on pressing regional and global issues, including peacebuilding, climate change, social inclusion, sustainable development, and the role of young people in shaping policy. 

Through a series of sessions and workshops, Youth Forum delegates will develop practical recommendations to present to the Conference. These proposals will help shape the region’s Scouting strategy, ensuring that young people’s voices, ideas and perspectives are directly reflected in key decisions. As part of the Forum, delegates will also elect the Arab Youth Advisor Committee to ensure that young people continue to have a strong role in shaping and influencing Scouting at the highest levels across the region

The patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, adds significant prestige and importance to the 31st Arab Regional Scout Conference and the 6th Arab Regional Scout Youth Forum. The support highlights the UAE’s leadership role in advancing youth development and regional cooperation, while also reinforcing the value of these events as critical platforms to shape the future of Scouting in the Arab region. 

This series of Scouting events also presents a valuable opportunity for participants to discover the UAE’s dynamic blend of tradition and modernity. Abu Dhabi, known for its commitment to cultural preservation and technological innovation, offers attendees the chance to explore its world-class museums, historic landmarks, and cutting-edge developments in sustainability and urban planning.
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