Lede: On International Youth Day, ENOC Group formally announced the second cycle of its Youth Council, selecting 15 young Emirati employees from across the company to serve as voices for their generation. The initiative, unveiled August 12, 2026, aims to strengthen youth engagement with leadership and align with the UAE’s National Youth Agenda 2031.
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The state-owned integrated energy giant, which operates across the global energy supply chain, said the new cohort will work directly with senior executives to shape ideas, develop initiatives tied to strategic priorities, and build leadership pipelines for the country’s energy sector. The council’s first cycle concluded with a recognition event that highlighted contributions from the inaugural members before formally welcoming the second group.
Hussain Sultan Lootah, Group CEO of ENOC, emphasized the role young Emiratis play in driving innovation. “Their perspectives, ambition and willingness to challenge established ways of thinking bring valuable momentum to how we evolve as a Group,” Lootah said in a statement. He added that the council provides “a meaningful platform to contribute ideas, engage with leadership and help advance the priorities that will define ENOC’s next phase of development.”
Aligning with National Goals
The council directly supports the National Youth Agenda 2031, a federal framework designed to bolster Emirati youth capabilities and channel their energy toward national priorities such as economic diversification, sustainability, and technological advancement. By embedding young talent in decision-making processes, ENOC aims to ensure the next generation is prepared to lead the UAE’s energy transition and long-term growth.
The launch event also featured a youth dialogue session where participants exchanged views on workplace aspirations, the future of work, and how young employees can contribute to the company’s evolution. The session provided a rare opportunity for entry-level staff to share candid feedback with top management.
What the Council Does
Over the coming term, council members will focus on three core areas:
- Idea generation – proposing projects that align with ENOC’s strategic roadmap
- Leadership development – participating in mentorship and training to build managerial skills
- Executive engagement – acting as a bridge between the workforce and C-suite decision-makers
ENOC has framed the council as a tool to strengthen youth representation across the group, which employs thousands of workers in refining, retail, aviation fuel, and petrochemicals.
Broader Impact
The UAE’s energy sector is undergoing rapid transformation as the country targets net-zero emissions by 2050. Involving young talent early in strategy discussions ensures that fresh perspectives inform sustainability initiatives, digitalization efforts, and operational efficiency.
For young Emiratis within ENOC, the council offers a direct route to influence company policy while gaining exposure to leadership challenges. It also positions the group as an employer of choice for national talent in a competitive job market.
Next steps: ENOC plans to continue the council on a recurring basis, with future cycles potentially expanding the number of seats. The company encourages other UAE-based firms to adopt similar models, reinforcing a national push for youth-led innovation in key industries.
For more on youth empowerment in the UAE, read about the National Youth Agenda 2031 and other corporate mentorship programs shaping the country’s workforce.