WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017 today announced the signing of an agreement with Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company, naming Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) as its National Premium Partner and official host.

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the first edition of the event will run at ADNEC from 14 to 19 October.

The agreement was signed by His Excellency Mubarak Saeed Al Shamsi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ACTVET), the organisers of the event, and Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO at Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company, in the presence of senior officials from both entities.

Speaking on the occasion, His Excellency Mubarak Al Shamsi said: “We are delighted to welcome Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre as our National Premium Partner and official host. The WorldSkills event is about global excellence and education across a wide range of skills and ADNEC represents both as a well-known hub that hosts pioneering and mind-stimulating events.”

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri said: “It is our honour and privilege to support the dreams of young professionals around the world through supporting WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017. We are very proud to host this exciting event. We believe that this competitive event is a good breakthrough to enable us to mine skilled talent in the UAE and across the Middle East.”

Al Dhaheri added: “To diversify the existing exhibition portfolio and host cutting-edge and innovative events, ADNEC, over the span of the last four years, visited previous editions of WorldSkills events in Brazil and in Germany and strategically worked towards hosting an edition in Abu Dhabi. ADNEC’s 133,000 square metres of interconnected floor space and modern and advanced facilities reinforce our capability to ensure the event’s success.”

The WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017 edition will include the staging of 51 skill competitions, as well as deliver a range of interactive events for visitors.

“Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre’s support of WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017 demonstrates its exceptional commitment to developing skilled talent around the world,” said Ali Al Marzouqi, President of WorldSkills Abu Dhabi. “ADNEC understands the critical role the industry plays in equipping youth with the knowledge, tools, competitive skills, and innovations to lead strong professional careers.”

More than 100,000 visitors from across the UAE and around the world are expected to visit Abu Dhabi. A key objective is to raise awareness of technical and vocational education while showcasing the world’s largest vocational skills competition.

Abu Dhabi was selected as host city in 2013, with the Competition awarded to EmiratesSkills as part of ACTVET. Admission is free and requires visitors to register online or upon arrival at ADNEC.