HE Shamma Al Mazrui: Empowering Youth and Pioneering Change in the UAE
Her Excellency Shamma bint Suhail Faris Al Mazrui made history in February 2016 when, at the age of 22, she became the world’s youngest cabinet minister as the UAE’s Minister of State for Youth Affairs. This appointment marked a groundbreaking moment, showcasing her dedication to youth empowerment.
H.E. Shamma is not only a symbol of youth leadership but also a driving force for inclusivity and progress. As Chair of the Emirates Youth Council and Vice-Chair of the Arab Youth Center, she stands at the forefront of initiatives that amplify the voices of young individuals. Additionally, her role as Chairperson for Special Olympics UAE underscores her commitment to fostering diversity and integration.
Central to H.E. Shamma’s mission is ensuring that the youth play a pivotal role in shaping the UAE’s future. She has spearheaded the development of a data-driven National Youth Strategy, cementing her dedication to policies that reflect the needs and aspirations of young citizens.
Beyond her work in youth affairs, H.E. Shamma is an influential figure in various councils and committees. She is a member of the Education and Human Resources Council of the UAE Cabinet and serves on the board of the Emirates Foundation. Her advisory roles extend to the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2020, and she is a board member of the International Institute of Tolerance.
Her commitment to social causes is evident in her roles as Vice Chair of the Community and Legacy Committee of the UAE Special Olympics World Games in 2019 and as a member of the Higher National Council for the Year of Tolerance in the same year. She has also served on the Higher National Council for the Year of Zayed in 2018, and the Year of Giving in 2017, as well as the Fourth Industrial Revolution Committee in 2017.
Before her foray into public service, H.E. Shamma gained valuable experience in both the private and public sectors. She worked in Private Equity at one of Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth funds and served as a public policy analyst at the UAE Mission to the United Nations. She also held positions as a Ministry Policy Analyst with the Prime Minister’s Office, a Research Analyst at the UAE Embassy in Washington, D.C., and an Education Policy Researcher at Tamkeen (UAE Strategic Affairs Authority).
Her academic achievements are equally noteworthy. She earned her Master of Public Policy with Distinction from the University of Oxford in 2015, where she was the first UAE Rhodes Scholar and excelled academically. In 2018, she was recognized in CNBC’s ‘7 Female Activists Under 23 Who Are Changing The World.’ She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Economics with a concentration in Finance at New York Abu Dhabi in 2014, ranking within the top 5% of the inaugural class. Her pursuit of knowledge also led her to complete coursework at esteemed institutions such as the Research Center for Leadership on multi-sector partnerships at NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, NYU Stern School of Business, and Yale University.
Her Excellency Shamma Al Mazrui is a beacon of hope and inspiration for the youth of the UAE and beyond. Her tireless efforts to champion youth causes, her dedication to public service, and her exemplary achievements make her a true trailblazer in every sense of the word. As the UAE continues to evolve, it is leaders like H.E. Shamma who are shaping a brighter and more inclusive future for all.
Check out her Instagram profile.
