Abu Dhabi: A total of 108 talented Emiratis were awarded for their skills on Thursday as part of Emirates Skills 2017.
The winners had showcased their prowess in 51 different categories at the country’s largest vocational skills contest, including in fields as diverse as floristry, drone making, nursing, baking, aircraft maintenance and mobile robotics.
“Vocational skills are especially integral to the post-oil development of the UAE, and will prove indispensable for future generations. This is why a national contest of this scale focuses on encouraging and awarding these talents,” Ali Al Marzouqi, head of Emirates Skills, told Gulf News.
“The skill sets our students showcase have also been improving by leaps and bounds. This year, we were very rigorous in judging, and even announced that we would not hand out awards in categories where the skill level did not meet international standards. And we were happy to note the amazing talents that did clinch the awards,” he added.
More than 400 students from technical schools and universities participated in the competition this year, which is organised by the Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (Actvet), regulator for vocational learning and experience in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
The majority of competitors were aged between 17 and 22 years, but there were also seven contests open to children between the ages of 12 and 15 years. In addition, six categories had dedicated sections for special needs individuals enrolled with the Zayed Higher Organisation for Special Needs and Humanitarian Care.
The winners received certificates and medals, along with cash prizes ranging from Dh10,000 to Dh20,000. Many of the winners will also go on to participate in World Skills 2017, an international vocational skills contest that will be held at Abu Dhabi for the first time this October.
“The UAE will be participating in 31 of the World Skills contest’s 50 categories, and we are excited to see how we fare. Many of our top talents have already received more than six months of training,” Al Marzouqi said.
“As youth go on to hone their vocational skills, they can also hope to contribute to achievement of their country’s strategic goals,” he added.
Winners
Anoud Al Khateri and Ghadeer Al Khateri, 20, first prize winners for drone making
“We are students of aerospace engineering at Khalifa University, and this competition allowed us to test our skill and passion. I hope to excel in my field and go on to enhance the UAE’s aerospace research,” said Anoud.
“My goal is to work in industry as I like hands-on tasks, and perhaps even join the UAE’s national space programme,” said Ghadeer.
Ali Fadlani, 15, third prize winner for IT solutions
“I have always enjoyed tinkering with computers, and this passion goes hand in hand with the UAE’s drive towards creating a smart economy. So I hope to pursue IT engineering once I get to university, and go to make our country one of the best in the world,” Ali Fadlani said.
Majid Al Hammadi, 18, first prize winner for electrical installations
“We had to connect a room to the main circuit and I had a blast doing it! I always love solving challenging electrical problems, and will opt to study electrical engineering at university. In fact, I am the youngest in the family and four of my elder siblings are accomplished electrical engineers,” Majid Al Hammadi said.
Hessa Shawab, 20, first prize winner for fashion design
“I am in my final year at Dubai-based French fashion institute, Esmod, and when I graduate, my aim is to develop a ready-to-wear luxury brand with an Emirati touch. In this way, I want to bring Emirati beauty to the world stage,” Hessa Shawab said.
