Abu dhabi: Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the 17th edition of the EmiratesSkills National Competition 2026, organized by the Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ACTVET), took place today at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.

According to Emirates News Agency, this year marks the 20th anniversary of EmiratesSkills, which has established itself as the UAE's premier national platform for empowering Emirati youth and developing future-ready national talent. Over the past two decades, EmiratesSkills has been instrumental in promoting technical and vocational excellence and fostering a culture of innovation in various sectors.

The competition aligns with ACTVET's strategic vision to lead and advance the national skills ecosystem, promote technical and vocational excellence, and prepare qualified national talent to meet future demands, thereby enhancing the UAE's global competitiveness.

The 2026 event features 37 technical and vocational skills, with over 150 experts and specialists assessing and judging the competitions. A total of 502 students from across the UAE are competing, representing the upcoming generation of skilled national talent.

Dr. Mubarak Saeed Al Shamsi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Institute of Applied Technology and Director General of the ACTVET, stated that the competition serves as a strategic national platform to enhance the readiness of Emirati youth and equip them with future skills in accordance with international standards.