A Qatar Airways captain helped International Youth Day take off at Doha’s KidzMondo – located in the Mall of Qatar – with the aid of two would-be pilots.

International Youth Day 2017 is dedicated to celebrating young people’s contributions to conflict prevention and transformation as well as inclusion, social justice, and sustainable peace. The annual event was initiated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1999, when it was announced that 12 August should be International Youth Day.

Qatar Airways Group chief executive, Akbar al-Baker, said: “Qatar Airways is very pleased to support International Youth Day through our partnership with KidzMondo Doha. As an airline, we know how important it is to help inspire and motivate the younger generation to be full and active members of society, to play their part to make the world a better place, and to fulfill their dreams and ambitions.

“Children and young people love flying with Qatar Airways, and many would like to have a career in the airline industry. Through our partnership with KidzMondo Doha we aim to inspire children to be part of the airline’s amazing success story, promote a sense of patriotism and national pride, and connect with them in a fun and engaging way.”

Qatari Captain Al Yafei Abdulaziz, from the airline’s Airbus A320 fleet, was joined by eight year-old Maryam Mahasneh and eight year-old Bader Albanna. Both were dressed in the same uniforms proudly worn by the airline’s pilots and cabin crew to mark the start of local celebrations for the United Nations-inspired International Youth Day, being held around the world.

Qatar Airways, the Official Airline partner of KidzMondo Qatar, offers children a dynamic and fun introduction to their preferred roles as pilots, cabin crew or passengers. The aim is to enable them to understand the exciting jobs and careers available to them within the world-class airline, at Qatar’s one-of-a-kind edutainment city.