YOUNG EMIRATIS COMPETING FOR GOLD
> Ali Kashwani, 22, design management graduate Category: Painting and Decoration
Ali Kashwani, a graduate from American Univeristy of Sharjah (AUS) will showcase his passion for art in the airing and decoration competition. “I participated previously in Emirates skills in April and received a gold medal, which helped me qualify for WorldSkills,” said the 22-year-old Emirati youth. “I was contacted by the people at the Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (Actvet) who said I must put my full commitment” for the training. Kashwani said the competition requires solid commitment and many hours of training. “The category I am going to compete is what I studied. So I thought to myself, if I don’t compete, then who would? Besides, I am going to represent my country.” Kashwani added that he does not know the challenges that lie ahead but determined to deliver his best.
> Faisal Alameri 22, electrical engineering student Category: Electrical Installation
Faisal Alameri , a student at the Abu Dhabi Polytechnic University, will be competing in electrical installation category. The 22-year-old student, graduating in 2018, said: “Competing in this event is something that is very special for me: to represent my country means is a great moment in my life.” “I was playing volleyball before and wanted to play in the UAE team, but I received another opportunity to represent the UAE.” Alameri said when he received the call, he agreed to the offer without the slightest hesitation. “When I heard about it, I instantly said, Okay, I will do it!” “This means I will be part of the UAE team. I couldn’t make it in volleyball, so this is another way of representing my country and giving my best.” He said his eyes at the gold medal. “I will not join something if my target is not winning.”
> Maitha Omar Mohammed 20, UAE University student Category: 3D Game Art
Maitha Omar Mohammed, studying special education for the gifted at the UAE University, will be competing in 3D game art — her passion — as well as a new category at this year’s WorldSkills. The 20-year-old said: “I was already developing games for education, creating games is my true hobby. I draw games in 2D, but for the WorldSkills they didn’t have the 2D game art, so I learnt the 3D. I’m glad that I already had the background on how to create characters for games.” Maitha Omar added: “This is the very first time WorldSkills is having this category only nine countries are competing including the UAE. “What’s more fun than playing games is creating them! Winning is not her priority. “Even if I don’t get the medal, I will not say that I didn’t win, as I am already a winner for representing my country.”
> Hessa Alshawab 20, graduate in fashion design Category: Fashion Technology
Hessa Alshawab ,French Fashion Institute Esmond Dubai graduate, will be representing the UAE in fashion technology at WorldSkills. “This is a huge deal for me. I am representing my country in something that I have a passion for is great, ”the 20 year-old Emirati said. Excited to face the challenges that lie ahead this week, she added: “I have been practising, sketching and stitching different dresses all by hand.” In the future, Alshawab hopes to open her own fashion empire,. “My dream is to open my very own brand in fashion design, I would like to do something different from what is already out there — create ready-to-wear for all women.” She also gave solid advice for young Emiratis who are unsure about where to start. “Follow your passion you will eventually find success.”