Worldskill Abu Dhabi 2017 has announced the signing of an agreement with Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company, naming Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) as its National Premium Partner and official host.

Under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the first Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region edition of the event will run at Adnec from October 14 to 19.

The agreement was signed by Mubarak Saeed Al Shamsi, director general of Abu Dhabi Centre for technical and vocational education and training (ACTVET), the organisers of the event, and Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, group CEO at Adnec, in the presence of senior officials from both entities, said a statement.

Al Shamsi said: “We are delighted to welcome Adnec as our national premium partner and official host. The event is about global excellence and education across a wide range of skills and Adnec represents both as a well-known hub that hosts pioneering and mind-stimulating events.”

Al Dhaheri said: “It is our honour and privilege to support the dreams of young professionals around the world through supporting the event. We believe that this competitive event is a good breakthrough to enable us to mine skilled talent in the UAE and across the Middle East.”

Al Dhaheri added: “To diversify the existing exhibition portfolio and host cutting-edge and innovative events, Adnec, over the span of the last four years, visited previous editions of events in Brazil and in Germany and strategically worked towards hosting an edition in Abu Dhabi.”

“Adnec’s 133,000 sq m of interconnected floor space and modern and advanced facilities reinforce our capability to ensure the event’s success,” he said.

The latest edition will include the staging of 51 skill competitions, as well as deliver a range of interactive events for visitors.

Ali Al Marzouqi, president of WorldSkills Abu Dhabi, said: “The centre’s support of the event demonstrates its exceptional commitment to developing skilled talent around the world.”

“Adnec understands the critical role the industry plays in equipping youth with the knowledge, tools, competitive skills, and innovations to lead strong professional careers,” he said.

More than 100,000 visitors from across the UAE and around the world are expected to visit Abu Dhabi. A key objective is to raise awareness of technical and vocational education while showcasing the world’s largest vocational skills competition, it stated.