The UAE has launched the Blue Content Creators Programme to train 50 citizens and residents to produce digital content raising awareness of water conservation and sustainability. The initiative is led by the National Media Authority (NMA), in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Youth Authority, and in collaboration with the New Media Academy.

Applications are open from 12 to 30 October 2026. The programme aims to equip young people with the skills to communicate water-related challenges and highlight the UAE’s efforts in sustainability, innovation and international cooperation.

Supporting the 2026 UN Water Conference

The initiative comes as the UAE prepares to co-host the 2026 United Nations Water Conference with Senegal in Abu Dhabi from 8 to 10 December.

Through the programme, participants will develop stories exploring the connections between water, human health, food, energy and development. They will also highlight cooperation efforts to preserve water resources for future generations.

Abdulla Ahmed Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, said decisions made today about water would shape the world inherited by future generations. He emphasised the importance of involving young people in these discussions.

Balalaa said the programme invites young people and content creators to use creative approaches to raise public awareness of water issues and the sustainable management of water resources.

He added that the UAE’s preparations for the UN conference would provide an opportunity for young creators to bring fresh perspectives, raise questions and share experiences. Their contributions are expected to enrich discussions and encourage practical action that benefits individuals and communities.

Building Youth Media and Communication Skills

Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, NMA Secretary-General, said water is central to the UAE’s sustainable development efforts.

He noted that hosting the UN Water Conference reflects the country’s work with international partners to strengthen cooperation and advance discussions towards practical solutions. He also highlighted the importance of equipping young people with the knowledge and skills to communicate the UAE’s message to domestic and international audiences.

According to Al Shehhi, the programme will help participants address water issues accurately and effectively. It will also enable them to highlight resource conservation initiatives and encourage greater public participation in sustainability efforts.

He added that the initiative aligns with the Authority’s commitment to developing young media talent and supporting the production of credible, impactful content.

Investing in these capabilities will also enable participants to continue covering sustainability issues and national and international events beyond the conference.

Empowering Young People to Address Water Challenges

Khalid Al Nuaimi, Director of the Federal Youth Authority, said water and sustainability are directly connected to the future of coming generations.

He stressed the importance of enabling young people to understand these challenges and contribute their ideas and capabilities towards addressing them.

Al Nuaimi added that the programme would broaden participants’ knowledge, strengthen their skills and allow them to apply their creativity to issues of national and global importance.

He said the Authority’s participation reflects its strategic priorities of developing youth capabilities, strengthening community engagement and involving young people in matters affecting their future.

The partnership aims to develop a generation that understands its responsibilities and can contribute to the UAE’s sustainability efforts.

Using Digital Media and AI to Raise Awareness

Hussein Al Atoli, Director of the New Media Academy, said the programme reflects the UAE’s commitment to empowering young people and using their creative skills to address major challenges, particularly water conservation and resource sustainability.

He explained that the Academy and its partners would provide participants with the knowledge and tools to turn specialised water-related topics into accessible, engaging stories that can reach and influence audiences.

Al Atoli added that the initiative seeks to develop responsible content creators who can use storytelling, video, digital platforms and artificial intelligence (AI) to communicate important messages to wider audiences worldwide.

He also highlighted the role of these skills in helping young people contribute to discussions on water and produce educational content that benefits communities.

Three Weeks of Training in November

The programme includes three weeks of training in November. The curriculum will cover water-related issues, storytelling, video production, digital publishing strategies and the use of AI tools in content creation.

Participants will apply their skills to produce content related to the UN Water Conference in December.

Applications are open to UAE citizens and residents aged 18 to 35 from across the country. Applicants should have an interest in content creation, media, water, the environment or sustainability and be able to commit to the training programme.

Applications will be assessed based on eligibility, skills and motivation. The final selection will aim to reflect the diversity of UAE society.

Interested applicants can submit their applications by 30 October 2026 through the official application form.

The Blue Content Creators Programme will bring together youth development, digital storytelling and water conservation awareness as the UAE prepares to host the 2026 UN Water Conference.

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