WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017 signs Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre as National Premium Partner and Official Host

17 September 2017

WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017 is pleased to announce that it has signed Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) as its National Premium Partner and official host.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, this is the first time a WorldSkills Competition will be staged in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. 

The deal was signed by H.E. Mubarak Saeed Al Shamsi, the Director General of Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ACTVET) and Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO at Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC).

“We are delighted to welcome Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre as our National Premium event partners and official host,” said HE Mubarak Al Shamsi, the Director General of ACTVET, which oversees WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017. “The WorldSkills Competition is about global excellence and education across a wide range of skills and 

ADNEC represents both as it’s known as a hub for pioneering and mind-stimulating events.”
“It is our honour and privilege to support the dreams of young professionals around the world through the sponsorship with WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017,” said Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO at ADNEC. 

“We are very proud of hosting this exciting event. We believe that this competition is a good breakthrough for cultivating skilled talents in the UAE and across the Middle East.” He added. 
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 Germany and strategically worked towards and influenced locating an edition in Abu Dhabi. ADNEC’s 133,000 square metres of interconnected floor space and modern and advanced facilities, will underpin efforts to solidify the event’s success and being named the biggest edition to date.” 

Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre multi-faceted sponsorship supports the staging of 51 skill competitions, as well as delivering a range of interactive activities for event visitors. 

“Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre support of WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017 demonstrates their exceptional commitment to developing skilled talent around the world,” said Ali Al Marzouqi, President of WorldSkills Abu Dhabi “Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre 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 come to 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. The event will run from 14 to 19 October with the Competition being staged at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) beginning 15 October. Admission is free but visitors will need to register online or upon arrival at ADNEC.