Under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, the 17th edition of the EmiratesSkills National Competition 2026, organised by Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ACTVET), will take place from 18-20 May 2026 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.
Since its launch in 2006, EmiratesSkills has evolved into the UAE’s premier national platform for developing youth skills. Through the EmiratesSkills National Competition, it brings together talented young Emiratis from across the country under the supervision and leadership of ACTVET.
This year, EmiratesSkills celebrates 20 years since its establishment, having solidified its position as the UAE’s leading national platform for empowering Emirati youth and developing future-ready national talent. Over the past two decades, EmiratesSkills has played a key role in promoting technical and vocational excellence while fostering a culture of innovation across various sectors.
The competition is held as part of ACTVET’s integrated strategic vision to lead and advance the national skills ecosystem, promote technical and vocational excellence, and contribute to preparing qualified national talent capable of meeting future demands and enhancing the UAE’s global competitiveness.
The 2026 event will feature 37 diverse technical and vocational skills, with the participation of more than 150 experts and specialists to assess and judge the competitions. A total of 502 students from across the UAE will compete, representing the next generation of skilled national talent.
EmiratesSkills represents a national roadmap to highlight the importance of technical and vocational skills, celebrate the capabilities of Emirati youth, and showcase the unique opportunities provided by the UAE to empower future leaders. Through this national platform, it cultivates a culture of innovation, promotes problem-solving, and empowers future generations to contribute meaningfully to national development, grounded in the belief that skills are the foundation of progress and the drivers of the future.
