About 1,300 competitors from more than 70 countries will compete in 51skills ranging from floristry and jewellery to mobile robotics and welding at the upcoming WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017 in the UAE capital.

The44thedition of the globally renowned event will take place at Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre (Adnec) from October 15-18 for the first time in the Mena region.  

More than 30 Emirati competitors will participate this year in more than 30 skill categories. Thousands of students from across the Emirates will watch the action first hand and WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017 is expected to shape the country’s education sector, as well as spur interest in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) oriented careers.

To mark the 100-day milestone, the event organizers and ACTVET unveiled a totem display yesterday (July 5) in Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi in the shape of the number ‘100’.

Live demonstrations of some of the skills categories were also held with calligrapher Ali Kashwani and florist Eissa Al Marzouqi performing their trades alongside the installation. Both are members of the UAE team taking part in WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017 and were gold medallists at the EmiratesSkills National Competition 2017. Shoppers were given a taste of the skills on show, with many sitting down to be drawn live and to have a go at the artwork themselves.

Ali Al Marzouqi, president of EmiratesSkills, said: “Reaching the milestone of 100 days to go is a hugely significant occasion for ACTVET and for the whole of the UAE. We can now count down the days until Abu Dhabi hosts some of the world’s most talented and highly skilled young people.

Fahar Al Suwaidi, head of Marketing, Communications and PR for WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017 said: “The impact of WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017 as a contributing factor in the diversification of the UAE economy will be widespread and truly long term. Thousands of young people will be inspired to take up a technical and vocational educational path that allows their skills to flourish and opens the door to prestigious career options.”

Simon Bartley, president of WorldSkills, said: “The hosting of WorldSkills in Abu Dhabi is exciting for the country, the region and for WorldSkills. The focus on promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as economic diversification that will encourage the development of new industries, provides the perfect backdrop for the greatest gathering of skilled young people anywhere in the world. We can’t wait for the competition to begin.”

WorldSkills is the global hub for vocational skills. Every two years it hosts this global championship, where the world’s best talents compete in six main vocational sectors for medals in their chosen skill, which inspires thousands of young people to take up vocational careers.

Abu Dhabi is preparing for an era beyond oil and its leadership has recognized that vocational education and training will be vital in the future. As part of the economic reforms in the UAE, new sectors are flourishing which range from green technologies to aerospace.

WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017 is a unique opportunity for the UAE to benchmark its vocational education and training systems, as well as raise standards in traditional trades and multi-skilled technology careers in industry and services sectors.

The event includes a world-class conference at which ministers, policy makers and academics will discuss developments in vocational education. A Ministerial Summit will be held in Abu Dhabi and attended by ministers of education, industry and business of most countries.

WorldSkills Competitions have taken place around the world – from South America to Europe, Asia, Australasia and now the Middle East. From handicrafts to multi-skilled careers in the industry and technology sectors, WorldSkills has showcased skills to millions of young people during its nearly 70-year history.  – TradeArabia News Service