WorldSkills winners announced at a gala event
abu dhabi — After four intense and exciting days, the winners of WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017, the world’s largest vocational skills competition, have finally been announced during an unforgettable ceremony held in Abu Dhabi on Thursday evening.
More than 10,000 people filled Yas Du Arena stadium, cheering for their favourite teams and for those who competed during WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2016, which was 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.
The ceremony began with the UAE National Anthem, before a memorable speech by Mubarak Al Shamsi, director general of the Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (Actvet), who highlighted that the UAE Capital was proud to have welcomed the 100,000 visitors to the week-long event, adding that Abu Dhabi is the Middle East’s heart of hospitality.
Al Shamsi honoured all the competitors and thanked them. “You’re here not to learn, you’re here so we can learn from you.”
China led the medal table with 15 gold medals, 7 silvers and 8 bronzes. Korea came second on medal points with 8 golds, 8 silvers, and 8 bronzes. Switzerland was third on points, winning 11 golds, 6 silver, and 3 bronze. The UAE, won three Medallions for Excellence.
Although there were no winners from the Arab nations in the skills categories, Al Shamsi said every single competitor is a champion. “Never forget, whether you leave here with a medal or not, you are already the best in the world,” added Al Shamsi.
Biao Song from China was awarded the Albert Vidal award — the prestigious award granted to the competitor who achieved the highest score overall across all skill competitions, an award that is named in memory of WSI’s founder.
The Best of Nation awards — awarded to the competitor who gained the highest points and/or highest medal ranking among their national or regional team — was decided by each individual member.
Two Emiratis, Ibrahim Alraeesi and Hamad Alremeithi were awarded the Best of Nation award, among international competitors.
Simon Bartley, WorldSkills President, told Khaleej Times that the prizes for the gold, silver and bronze winners differ from one country to the other. “Every country gives different awards.”
WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017’s massive success
WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017 saw more than 100,000 visitors from the UAE and from around the world, 1,300 skilled youngsters from 60 member countries and regions, 51 skills competitions.
The competition saw some Royal visitors, including Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council; Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of State for tolerance; Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, the Chairman of Ajman Municipality and Planning Department; and Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan bin Khalifa.
Mohammed Khalfan Al Rumaithi, Commander-in-Chief of the Abu Dhabi Police, Counsellor Dr Hamad Al Shamsi, UAE’s Attorney General; Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Higher Education and Hussain Al Hammadi, the Minister of Education, also visited the competition during the week. The Emirati competitors, who trained for more than a year for the competition, were the largest team of students from the competitors of the Arab region, with 34 students that participated in 31 categories.
More than 135,870 sqm were used for the competition and the estimated cost of the equipment alone stood at almost Dh95 million.
How winners are determined
The WorldSkills CEO David Hoey confirmed the process and results, before presenting them to the board of directors for review, prior to the skill management teams signing off the results for each skill. “It costs a fair amount of money to host the competition, but the economic return and the legacy is well worth the investment, if built right,” the WorldSkill CEO told Khaleej Times.
“You look at the young Emiratis here who are opening their eyes to different skills and opportunities for their future — that is a legacy itself,” he added.
President of WorldSkills speaks
Bartley spoke to Khaleej Times about the why it is crucial to have a set of skills that one can carry in the future. “There is 25 per cent of youth unemployment in Middle East and that is an unacceptable level of unemployment. You have disappointed youth and social issues — so they have to get jobs, but we know they are more likely to get jobs, if they have skills.”
He said the skills need to be relevant to the workplace of “today and tomorrow.”
“That’s why it’s important we run competitions like this, because it gives something to young people that they can talk to their parents.”
Bartley stressed that the future will be based on entrepreneurs and small businesses. “This is different from 20 years ago, when people went to work for the government, the armed forces, or Ford Motor Company, or a very large company.”
The WorldSkills President said he was impressed by how the UAE set up the competition. “I’m impressed with the entire competition and I’m impressed by the excellence of the young people, their dedication, their speed, their accuracy and total commitment to winning.”
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com