Led by ACTVET, EmiratesSkills team earns 10 Medals for Excellence at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026

In a national achievement reflecting the UAE’s ambitions and the ability of its youth to compete on the global stage, the EmiratesSkills team, led by the Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ACTVET), secured ten Medals for Excellence across 16 skills at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. This achievement placed the UAE first among Arab, Middle Eastern and African countries in terms of total medal points.

The achievement came amid exceptional competition against some of the world’s leading talents from major industrial and technological nations, across disciplines requiring precision, advanced knowledge and the ability to translate skills into innovative practical solutions. Emirati competitors demonstrated their capabilities, outperforming participants from several developed countries, including Sweden, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium and Ireland, further reinforcing the UAE’s presence in fields shaping the future of industry, technology and emerging professions.

The team secured 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.

Commenting on the achievement, His Excellency Dr Mubarak Saeed Al Shamsi, Director General of ACTVET, said: “I dedicate this remarkable national achievement to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and 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. What we celebrate today is the result of our wise leadership’s vision, which has placed its faith in Emirati talent, opened new horizons for learning, professional development and innovation, and established investment in human capabilities as a cornerstone of the nation’s progress and leadership.

Behind every medal are years of training and discipline, and behind every outstanding achievement is a young Emirati competitor who embraced the challenge and worked with determination to raise the UAE flag among the world’s best. 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. Their ambitions are supported by capabilities strengthened through dedication and validated by results.

His Excellency emphasised that this achievement reflects the impact of an integrated system that begins with identifying talent at an early age, nurturing it through applied education, specialised training and progressive competitions, and ultimately preparing young Emiratis to represent their country on the global stage. He noted that developing a champion in skills competitions also means developing a highly capable national talent who can contribute to industry, the economy and society.

He said: “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. We will continue to create and expand these opportunities, preparing generations equipped with future skills who will contribute to strengthening the UAE’s competitiveness.”

His Excellency also expressed his appreciation to the competitors, their families, trainers, experts and supporting teams, emphasising that their collective efforts and commitment throughout the preparation journey formed an essential foundation for this achievement.

From Shanghai, the UAE’s champions return with 10 Medals for Excellence, invaluable international experience and renewed ambition. Their journey continues, from mastering skills to creating meaningful impact, and from representing their nation on the global stage to contributing to building its future.