The UAE Space Agency has launched a youth council to inspire, support, and empower talented young Emiratis with an interest in space. Formed as a result of the agency’s efforts to foster a generation of young Emirati space leaders, the council was launched during an official ceremony at the UAE Space Agency headquarters in Abu Dhabi.
The ceremony was held in the presence of Minister of State for Higher Education and Advanced Skills and Chairman of the UAE Space Agency Dr. Ahmad bin Abdullah Humaid Belhoul Al-Falasi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Chairperson of the Emirates Youth Council Shamma Al-Mazrui, Director General of the UAE Space Agency Dr. Eng. Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, and other senior officials and representatives.
“The launch of the UAE Space Agency Youth Council comes in line with the agency’s efforts. The council aims to empower ambitious, Emirati youth, to lead the national space sector and contribute to the UAE’s vision,” stated Al-Falasi. “The council operates in the framework of the ‘UAE’ Centennial 2071’ vision, which aims to empower the people of the UAE to realize their talents and capabilities to serve the nation’s economic, social and technological objectives — and ultimately be the best nation by 2071.”
Dr. Eng. Mohammed Nasser Al-Ahbabi said: “This initiative comes as part of our commitment to inspiring youth and supporting them in learning and developing. Encouraging youth to enter the space sector is a key goal of the UAE Space Agency and a part of UAE Vision 2021 to ensure that the UAE develops the human capital necessary to create a world-leading knowledge economy. We seek to prepare and nurture generations of talented UAE nationals to become leaders in the space industry and related technological fields.”
Hamed Abdullah Fadqaa, Emirates Youth Council coordinator, said: “Young people around the world have the potential to contribute directly to elevating any nation thanks to their ambition, perseverance, and determination. The establishment of this council aims to provide a platform for Emirati youth to share their innovative ideas and locate the resources they need to implement them, in collaboration with various government, scientific, and research entities within the UAE.”
Several events were organized on the sidelines of the launch ceremony, such as a display of a Tesla electric car, which will be sent to Mars, a detailed explanation of the Space Settlements initiative being launched by the newly formed council, and a painting that sought to encapsulate the motivations the Emirati youth, signed by Dr. Ahmad Abdullah Belhoul Al-Falasi and a number of young UAE Space Agency employees.
The ceremony also featured the appearance of the young inventor Fatema Al-Kaabi who showcased some of her inventions. Students from the Masdar Institute also presented their model of a satellite. Finally, toward the end of the ceremony, a group photo was later taken using a drone.
UAE space agency launches youth council to empower the next generation of Emirati space leaders
UAE space agency launches youth council to empower the next generation of Emirati space leaders
Muzz helps GCC to embrace modern marriage without compromising faith
In an era where digital platforms shape nearly every aspect of modern life, many Muslims across the world are turning to technology not for casual interactions, but for something far more meaningful: marriage. Among the platforms leading this shift is Muzz, the world’s largest Muslim marriage app, which has established itself as a trusted space for young professionals, families, and faith-minded individuals seeking genuine, value-aligned connections.
With a global community of more than 15 million members and over 600,000 marriages facilitated through the platform, Muzz has redefined how Muslims meet and communicate while honoring cultural expectations and Islamic principles. Its rapid growth reflects an increasing demand for tools that offer modern convenience without compromising traditional values.
Muzz’s origins trace back to 2011, when founder Shahzad Younas created a simple website from his London bedroom. What started as a small personal project soon evolved into a pioneering venture. In 2017, the platform became the first Muslim-focused startup to be accepted into Y Combinator, the Silicon Valley accelerator known for backing giants such as Airbnb and Dropbox. This milestone marked a turning point that propelled Muzz from a grassroots idea into a global technology brand.
Today, the company operates with more than 150 employees across several regions, serving diverse Muslim communities throughout the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America. Despite its global footprint, the platform remains rooted in a clear mission: to offer Muslims a safe, respectful, and intentional way to pursue marriage.
In contrast to mainstream dating apps that cater largely to casual relationships, Muzz’s guiding philosophy is that “Muslims don’t date — they marry.” This principle shapes the platform’s user experience and distinguishes it from competitors. The app incorporates features designed specifically to reflect Islamic values, including privacy tools, optional chaperone modes, verified profiles, and a strong emphasis on safety and conduct. These elements resonate particularly strongly with users in the GCC, where cultural expectations around courtship remain firmly tied to modesty, family involvement, and serious intentions.
“We built Muzz to empower Muslims with a tool that fits their lives and their values,” said CEO Younas. “Our users want modern convenience, but they also seek sincerity and intention. Muzz brings both together.”
Beyond impressive numbers and global reach, the platform’s impact is evident in the personal stories shared by couples who found each other through it. Omar and Noura, a Saudi–Jordanian couple who married last year, credit Muzz for creating the opportunity that brought them together. Living in different countries, they never expected their paths to cross naturally. “Conversations on Muzz felt sincere from the start,” Omar said. “Within weeks, we realized this was something real.”
For individuals like Sara, a single mother from the Gulf region, the app provided a renewed chance at companionship after years of hesitation. Concerns about trust and privacy initially held her back, but the platform’s respectful environment helped her feel comfortable enough to explore the process. “Muzz felt intentional,” she said. “I met someone who understood my journey, someone I didn’t expect to find.”
Stories like these, now numbering in the hundreds of thousands, highlight how thoughtfully designed technology can support tradition rather than undermine it. The platform’s growing adoption in Saudi Arabia and the UAE reflects this balance, combining technological ease with the cultural sensitivity deeply valued in the region. According to a spokesperson for the company, this growth demonstrates a widespread desire for tools that honor authenticity and respect while offering users an accessible way to pursue marriage.
In addition to its role as a matchmaking platform, Muzz has emerged as a socially conscious brand committed to humanitarian initiatives. The company has raised more than $1.2 million in charitable contributions, supporting essential projects in Sudan, Pakistan, Türkiye, Palestine, and other regions. Its donations have helped fund bakeries, mobile clinics, temporary shelters, and emergency relief efforts, reinforcing its commitment to community support and ethical responsibility.
As digital tools continue to influence how people work, communicate, and build relationships, Muzz’s success illustrates how technology can harmonize with religious and cultural values. By offering a platform grounded in sincerity, safety, and faith-centered design, Muzz is shaping a new chapter in Muslim matchmaking, one where innovation and tradition work hand in hand to help people build lasting connections.
