Dr.Hamada Al-Antably © 2026 JThemes.com
Some events are organised… while others create lasting impact. And some conferences are measured not only by what happens inside their halls, but by what they leave behind.
The 31st Arab Scout Conference was far more than a regional Scouting event or an institutional gathering of the Arab Scout Organization. It was an exceptional event.
Regional Challenges and the Vision of the UAE
The challenge was not limited to the complexity of the organisation itself. The regional environment was highly sensitive, with a genuine desire to strengthen institutional and constitutional frameworks, alongside differing perspectives and tensions at several levels.
Our objective was clear from the outset:
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To deliver an outstanding regional event from an organisational perspective.
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To create an atmosphere of brotherhood and mutual respect.
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To reflect the highest standards of regional and international events hosted by the UAE.
For the Emirates Scout Association, the event carried particular significance. It came more than three decades after the Association had hosted the 18th Arab Scout Conference in 1988, under the patronage of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may he rest in peace.
This created a strong desire to bring the conference back to the UAE, this time to Abu Dhabi, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. With the support of the leadership and the efforts of the Association’s Board, this vision became a reality. Our ambition went beyond hosting; we wanted the conference and the Arab Scout Youth Forum to set a new benchmark for regional Scouting.
Overcoming Challenges and Delivering Excellence
Achieving this ambition required us to address several major challenges:
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Funding and Resources: Secured through dedicated patronage and support under the supervision of the Abu Dhabi Media Office, alongside a strong network of supporting partners.
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The Event Team: The extended duration of the Forum and Conference made it difficult to release a large number of experienced staff from their regular responsibilities. To solve this, we launched a volunteering outreach tour across UAE universities—particularly in Abu Dhabi—to recruit, train, and prepare young people through a comprehensive development programme.
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Regulatory Requirements: Meeting the extensive operational standards of Abu Dhabi required continuous coordination with the Abu Dhabi Events Committee and various local authorities.
For an entire year, planning, scenario development, and coordination continued at local and regional levels until the moment arrived.
High-Profile Launches and Distinguished Presence
The Arab Scout Youth Forum began with a strong focus on empowering young people and strengthening their participation in leadership and decision-making. The opening was attended by H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Office of Development Affairs and Martyrs’ Families at the Presidential Court and Chairman of the Arab Youth Center, alongside H.E. Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, who delivered an inspiring session for the participants.
The Arab Scout Conference then opened in the presence of H.E. Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Court of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, alongside senior executive leaders from the Abu Dhabi Government—reflecting the leadership’s strong support for the event.
By the grace of God, and according to the participants themselves, both events were delivered to an exceptional standard in terms of preparation, programming, and operational excellence.
The Art of Leadership and Team Building
For me, it was a privilege to serve as the General Coordinator of both events. Working with a dedicated team and under the guidance of the Association’s Board, I oversaw overall planning, coordination with the Arab Scout Organization, the Arab Scout Region, the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), and the Abu Dhabi Events Committee.
The operational plan covered everything from reception, accommodation, catering, and transport to opening and closing ceremonies, cultural evenings, logistics, and media.
“The amount of effort invested before the event is not necessarily visible once the event begins.”
After months of intense physical and mental effort during preparation, my role shifted significantly once the event started. I was no longer managing every detail myself; instead, I focused on following up with team leaders, coordinating with the regional team, and ensuring everything aligned with the plan.
The intensive part of my role had largely been completed, giving way to a quieter yet vital phase: monitoring, oversight, and providing support with complete flexibility.
Leadership in major events does not mean being everywhere or doing everything yourself. It means building capable teams, giving them trust and responsibility, and remaining ready to intervene at the right moment. If you are still managing every single detail once the event begins, you have not built the team yet. Here, working with colleagues, leaders, and volunteers who understood their roles allowed me to focus on the bigger picture.
The Journey Continues
The hosting of the 31st Arab Scout Conference and the 6th Arab Scout Youth Forum was more than two successful events. It was a new chapter in the journey of the Emirates Scout Association, reflecting a clear approach of investing in achievement and building upon past successes.
Looking back, I remember an entire year of planning, challenges, and decisions—and the rewarding moment when those plans became reality. Because success is not about being the person who did everything; it is about being the person who built a team capable of doing everything.
The journey continues… with a new challenge, a new dream, and a new achievement.
To be continued…
