UAE Claims Regional Supremacy with Ten Medals at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026

The EmiratesSkills team has secured ten Medals for Excellence at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, establishing the UAE as the leading performer across Arab, Middle Eastern and African nations and demonstrating the exceptional calibre of Emirati vocational talent on the international stage.

In a landmark achievement that underscores the UAE’s commitment to developing world-class vocational expertise, the EmiratesSkills team, spearheaded by the Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ACTVET), has secured ten Medals for Excellence across sixteen skills categories at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. The accomplishment represents a significant affirmation of the nation’s educational vision and the exceptional capabilities of its youth, positioning the UAE first among all Arab, Middle Eastern and African competitors in total medal points.

The competitive environment at Shanghai showcased some of the world’s most accomplished talent from major industrial and technological nations, with disciplines demanding precision, sophisticated technical knowledge and the capacity to translate theoretical understanding into innovative practical solutions. Remarkably, Emirati competitors demonstrated their capabilities by surpassing participants from several developed European nations, including Sweden, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium and Ireland, thereby establishing a substantial presence within fields that will define the future of industry, technology and emerging professional disciplines.

A Breadth of Achievement Across Diverse Disciplines

The team’s success extended across a diverse range of specialisations, securing Medals for Excellence in Health and Social Care, Industrial Control, Industrial Design Technology, Mechanical Engineering CAD, Unmanned Aerial Systems, CNC Turning, CNC Milling, Graphic Design Technology, Welding and Electrical Installations. This breadth of achievement reflects the comprehensive strength of the UAE’s vocational training ecosystem and its capacity to produce excellence across multiple technical and professional domains.

Leadership Vision and National Investment

His Excellency Dr Mubarak Saeed Al Shamsi, Director General of ACTVET, attributed the achievement to the unwavering support and strategic vision of the nation’s leadership. “I dedicate this remarkable national achievement to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, in recognition of their unwavering support and commitment to empowering the nation’s youth,” he stated.

Dr Al Shamsi highlighted that the achievement represents the culmination of years of training, discipline and determination undertaken by young Emirati competitors who have embraced the challenge of competing at the highest international level. “Our young talents have demonstrated that they possess the knowledge, skills and confidence to compete in disciplines traditionally led by major industrial and technological nations,” he affirmed.

An Integrated System of Excellence

The success reflects what ACTVET describes as an integrated system that identifies talent at an early stage, nurtures it through applied education and specialised training, and progressively prepares young Emiratis for global competition. According to Dr Al Shamsi, developing champions in skills competitions simultaneously cultivates highly capable national talent who can contribute meaningfully to industry, the economy and broader society.

“We believe the journey towards global competitiveness begins early, with an opportunity for a student to discover their potential, a teacher who inspires them, and training that encourages them to aim higher,” he explained. “We will continue to create and expand these opportunities, preparing generations equipped with future skills who will contribute to strengthening the UAE’s competitiveness.”

The Director General expressed appreciation to the competitors, their families, trainers, technical experts and supporting teams, acknowledging their collective commitment throughout the extensive preparation process.

Source: Abu Dhabi Media Office