His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office, has visited the 14th EmiratesSkills National Competition, being held at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) until 15 March.
Accompanied by His Excellency Dr Mubarak Saeed Al Shamsi, Director General of ACTVET, His Highness met with gifted young Emirati students who are receiving technical and vocational training and praised their achievements in advanced technology projects that will help shape the UAE’s economic future. HH also met with Emirati coders taking part in the Future Coders challenge, which is taking place at the Emirates Skills National Competition for the first time. 100 Emirati coders from grades 6-12 are taking part in the challenge.
Held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, 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 EmiratesSkills National Competition is organised annually by the Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ACTVET).
The three-day event is part of the EmiratesSkills initiative which aims to raise awareness of vocational and technical education and raise the national standard of advanced technology capabilities among young Emiratis, in order to advance industrial and technological growth in the UAE.
The 2023 edition of the event features more than 300 Emirati students between 16 and 21 years of age demonstrating their capabilities across 23 skill-based challenges in fields including artificial intelligence, programming, aircraft maintenance, mobile robotics, coding and 3D printing.
His Excellency Dr Mubarak Saeed Al Shamsi said: “Today’s youth hold the key to unlocking a sustainable tomorrow. Emirates Skills National Competition contributes to empowering Emirati youth to drive innovation, lead change and build a brighter future for generations to come. It is a valuable opportunity for high-skilled Emirati youth to qualify for the UAE’s National team and take part at the prestigious WorldSkills Competition 2024, as well in other regional & international competitions around the world, strengthening the country’s global technical and vocational education and training rankings.”
