The world’s biggest international vocational skills competition is coming to Abu Dhabi in October 2017. We welcome the media to tell the world about this great event.

Media Accreditation

All media interested in attending WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017 will need to register for media accreditation, which entitles approved media members access to the media centre, press conferences, as well as all other media areas and services.

Online media registration is closed. You may apply on-site at the media centre in ADNEC beginning 10:00 on 12 October or whenever the media centre is open. You must have your passport to register on-site and all applications are subject to approval.

Media may pick up accreditation badges at the media centre help desk during the operational hours listed below. International media must present their passport to pick up accreditation badges. UAE residents may present Emirates ID to pick up accreditation badges. Media cannot pick at the main accreditation centre, they can only pick up at the media help desk.

Location and dates

The world’s biggest international vocational skills competition will take place over four days at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from 15 - 18 October 2017. The opening ceremony will take place at Du Arena on 14 October 2017. The closing ceremony will take place at Du Arena on 19 October 2017.

• 15 October – Competition Day 1 – 09:00-17:00
• 16 October – Competition Day 2 – 09:00-17:00
• 17 October – Competition Day 3 – 09:00-17:00
• 18 October – Competition Day 4 – 09:00-16:00

Media Centre

All accredited media will have access to a full-serviced media centre, located below the Aloft Hotel at the Al Maa’red Wedding Hall of ADNEC. The media centre will feature complimentary WIFI internet, work desks, printers, lounge area, complimentary food and beverages, lockers for storage, media help desk, and press conference room.

The Media Centre hours will be:

• Thursday 12 October – 10:00-18:00
• Friday 13 October – 10:00-18:00
• Saturday 14 October – 08:00-01:00 next morning
• Sunday 15 October – 08:00-19:00
• Monday 16 October – 08:00-19:00
• Tuesday 17 October – 08:00-19:00
• Wednesday 18 October – 08:00-19:00
• Thursday 19 October – 08:00-01:00 next morning
• Friday 20 October – 10:00-18:00

Parking at ADNEC

Any media wishing to park at ADNEC should follow the signs to Car Park Lot A.

Take a ticket from the machine and bring that ticket to the media help desk to exchange for a ticket that will be valid for free parking for the duration of the event. Supply is limited. These tickets are transferable so media are encouraged to transfer parking to their colleagues.

Competitor interviews

To arrange interviews with competitors, please contact the competitor's Team Leader (PDF, 50KB).

Skill highlights 

For particularly exciting moments in a Skill Competition on the last day (18 October 2017), please see the Skill Competition highlights timetable (PDF, 336KB). 

Press briefings

Daily press briefings will take place at the Press Briefing Room at ADNEC. Briefings will provide information about highlights of the day, guidance regarding access, and other relevant materials.

Opening and Closing Ceremonies

Opening and Closing Ceremonies will be held at du Arena at the following dates and times:

Opening Ceremony

14 October – 19:30-21:00

Closing Ceremony

19 October – 19:30-21:40

Media will require either a ticket or wristband (plus accreditation) to access Ceremonies.

Doors open for media 2 hours before each Ceremony starts. There will be a free shuttle for all accredited media operating between ADNEC and du Arena. The first bus will depart ADNEC at 17:00 and will operate approximately every 15-20 minutes.

A small media centre will be open from 17:30 to approximately 2 hours after each Ceremony. The media centre will have complimentary WIFI internet, work desks, printer, lounge area, complimentary food and beverages, and media help desk.

There will also be designated seating for media, photo & video positions on platforms around the stage, and a mixed zone in the Winner’s Circle (Closing Ceremony only).

Media will need one of the following devices:

• Ticket = seat in media seating
• Pink or Blue Wristband = access to a specific photo platform
• Green Wristband = access to Winner’s Circle backstage (Closing Ceremony only)

Media cannot move from one position to another. All photographers/videographers on platforms must attend briefing before receiving wristband. Absolutely no flash photography during Ceremonies as it poses a risk to aerial performers. Any photographers caught using flash from the platforms will be escorted out of du Arena by security.

The Winner’s circle will have live feed of Closing Ceremony so media waiting for interviews with medallists can still watch the show.

Tickets can be picked up at the media help desk beginning 10:00 on 12 October (C-3). Wristbands will be distributed after each briefing session:

• Opening Ceremony Briefing – 12:00 on 14 October (C-1) in the media centre at ADNEC
• Closing Ceremony Briefing – 14:00 on 19 October (C+1) in the media centre at ADNEC

WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017 will aim to accommodate all requests as best as possible, however, space is limited on photo platforms.