Global Shapers Abu Dhabi Hub is now accepting applications for its 2026-27 membership cohort, with submissions open until August 15 at 11:59pm through the Hub’s official social media channels.
The Hub, which operates under the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Community, expects to process close to 700 applications during this cycle. From that pool, roughly 100 candidates will advance to further assessment. Up to 30 will ultimately be selected as Shapers.
AbdelQader Alsaqqaf, Curator of the Global Shapers Abu Dhabi Hub, described the scale as a first. “For the first time, the young people of Abu Dhabi are being invited into the Global Shapers Community at this scale,” he said. “Through this intake, we expect to meet close to 700 applicants and welcome up to 30 new Shapers, each chosen to serve Abu Dhabi and carry its name with pride.”
The Hub brings together young professionals and students from varied academic, professional and cultural backgrounds to deliver community-focused initiatives. Its project portfolio spans wellbeing, emerging technology, financial literacy, environmental sustainability and intergenerational engagement, typically executed in partnership with government entities, businesses, universities and community organizations.
Past work illustrates the operational reach of those partnerships. The “Our Connections” programme created structured opportunities for younger and older community members to interact through organized walks, conversations and shared experiences. Separately, the Hub has delivered educational projects introducing older adults to practical applications of artificial intelligence. The “In-SHAPE” initiative concentrated on health and wellbeing programming, while other efforts addressed environmental concerns and broader community needs.
The Hub has also extended its reach internationally. It partnered with the Global Shapers Lisbon Hub on financial literacy projects and hosted SHAPE MENA in 2023, bringing together Global Shapers from across the Middle East and North Africa for collaborative discussions.
Membership opens access to that wider network. Selected Shapers gain the ability to exchange knowledge and collaborate with other Hubs across different regions, exposing them to initiatives and perspectives beyond Abu Dhabi.
Rashed AlShamsi, Vice Curator of the Hub, was direct about what the selection process prioritizes. “We welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds who are passionate about serving the community, building meaningful connections, and turning ideas into action,” he said. The Hub expects members to actively contribute to projects, take ownership of initiatives and engage constructively across professional and cultural lines.
The August 15 deadline leaves little time for prospective candidates. Whether the Hub reaches its projected 700 applications will offer an early signal of how deeply the recruitment drive has landed among Abu Dhabi’s young professionals and students.