"You are the hope...you are the future, year by year our country will grow bigger by you." That was the inspiring message for the UAE's youth from the country's leadership on the occasion of the International Youth Day.

UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, sent the personal message to the Emirati youth on the occasion of International Youth Day, which is celebrated on August 12 every year, said a Wam news agency report.

"On the occasion of the International Youth Day, we want to tell you that you are the hope... you are the future... Year by year... our country will grow bigger by you... and you are more proud of it," the message read.

Meanwhile, Shamma bint Sohail Faris Al Mazrui, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, launched a web portal containing reports and articles detailing the progress of the youth empowerment programmes and policies.

The launch of the portal coincided with the International Youth Day celebrations.

The portal http://iyd.youth.gov.ae provides information about the UAE's first ministerial council, which was formed in 1971 and included 13 young ministers.

The portal includes links to the social service programmes offered by the UAE to its youth, including free housing, free healthcare and funds for marriage.

"The youth of the UAE received a pleasant surprise this morning with the personal message from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. We are proud of the inspiring message. We are determined to be number one, and under their leadership, the UAE will continue to prosper," she said.

Al Mazrui noted that the UAE leadership had established the world's best model for youth empowerment.

"We are blessed with a leadership whose priority is to provide happiness to its people. Our priority is to serve our country," she stated.