Nationwide call to young changemakers by The Global Shapers Abu Dhabi, an initiative of the World Economic Forum, has officially now opened the applications for its 2026-2027 cohort seeking young students to join them and to drive tangible civic and social impact across the UAE capital.
Eligible aspirants have until 11:59 PM on August 15 to apply for the competitive program via the organization’s digital portal. It should be noted that the upcoming intake is expected to witness the highest number of applications since the beginning of the movement due to its significance.
As per the organizers, the applications received will be around 700, while the shortlisted candidates will be about a hundred. However, only 30 individuals will be able to join the program as Shapers.
Operating as an integral part of a global collective, the Abu Dhabi Hub unites motivated young leaders from diverse academic, cultural, and professional backgrounds. Members collaborate closely with government departments, academic institutions, private enterprises, and grassroots organizations to execute targeted civic initiatives.
Core project areas encompass digital literacy, intergenerational bonding, mental and physical wellbeing, financial education, and environmental sustainability.
The incoming cohort will build upon a solid foundation of successful local interventions. Previous flagship programs include “Our Connections,” which fostered social cohesion between youth and senior citizens through shared activities, alongside workshops demystifying practical applications of artificial intelligence for older adults.
Additional efforts include the “In-SHAPE” health movement and international cross-hub initiatives, such as financial literacy campaigns co-developed with the Lisbon Hub.
Hub leadership emphasized that the recruitment drive focuses on action-oriented individuals dedicated to public service and collaborative problem-solving. Selected members will gain access to an international network of young leaders, enabling cross-border knowledge exchange and strategic cooperation.
Notably, Abu Dhabi previously demonstrated its standing within the network by hosting the SHAPE MENA regional summit, bringing together delegates from across the Middle East and North Africa.
Through this latest recruitment wave, the Abu Dhabi Hub aims to empower local youth to translate innovative concepts into scalable community solutions while representing the capital’s developmental vision on the global stage.
