Emirati students to represent empowered youth in council

Two Emirati students recently stepped into a role that reflects exactly what the nation stands for: empowered youth, purposeful leadership and a future shaped with their voices at the forefront.

- Nandini Sircar

Wid Alawar and Mouza Algergawi

Wid Alawar and Mouza Algergawi are among the seven Emiratis who are part of the 16-member students' council.

For the two teenagers, receiving their selection letters was more than an academic milestone. It was a moment that underscored how the UAE's next chapter will be written — not only by honouring its past, but by nurturing young people who feel a deeper sense of belonging, responsibility and commitment to shaping what comes next.

Wid Alawar, a Year 13 student at GEMS Al Barsha National School, emphasised that she always viewed leadership as a responsibility, not a badge.

In an interview with Khaleej Times, Wid said: “Leadership, to me, has never been about standing out; it’s about standing for something. I think what helped me get selected was that I’ve always tried to lead with purpose - not just to add to my CV, but to actually create something meaningful for others. Whether it was leading school events, mentoring younger students or starting small initiatives, I always tried to give each project a purpose that connects people.”

The moment she learned she had been chosen — through a personal letter from Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, — was overwhelming.