(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) With just one day left for the WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017 to conclude, the event has become popular among young Emiratis from across the nation. Several Emirati students are being seen around the venue of the event, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, helping the visitors during the week-long event.
Khaleej Times spoke to three 17-year-old volunteers from Applied Technology High School about why they have chosen to take the time to help crowds of visitors.
Shamma Khalid Al Suwaidi, said she wanted to volunteer because she likes to surround herself with different cultures. "I want to meet new people, communicate with them to learn more about other countries, nationalities and cultures.
"Also, I volunteered because that is what we are taught and wanted to represent my country in the best way possible."
Alia Jamal Al Mansoori, said she has been impressed with the event, adding that it has opened her eyes to endless opportunities.
"I didn't know the event was going to be this huge. It is incredible to see all the different countries competing and how they all have passion and drive."
Maitha Almheiri also said she is enjoying helping visitors. She said that despite the amount of different cultures under one roof, there has been no barriers in communication.
"What we are enjoying the most is we can help people out there. Some foreign visitors don't know how to speak English. So we helping them by using Google Translate and try to make their experience easier and more enjoyable."
The students said they hope to become business leaders in the future.
Three bright students from Khawla bint Thalaba Girls High School in Sharjah also shared what has been most inspirational for them at the completion.
"We came here to see competitions and skills that students our age are passionate about, we want to learn about different skills that we might also be able to take on," said Jamila Alkathery.
"We have so many have different opportunities that we did not come across before," said Aisha Al Suwaidi.
Aisha Almzrouei said she particularly enjoyed watching the cooking competitions.
"I loved watching the live cooking competitions, it's amazing to see their skills and the amount of pressure they face."
Amr Elkhatib, technician, DMG Mori Middle East, said he trained competitors in machinery prior to the opening of the event, and is particularly impressed by team Russia.
"The Russian competitors caught my eye. Just seeing how they deal with the machines and showing their expertise has been fascinating."
He said the machines are used for manufacturing - from aerospace to shopping malls.
"All metal forming are used by such machines, so this is a very important skill to have. The vision of the UAE is to look for people and future generations who have great skills that the industry and technology craves."
It's like Olympics, says CEO
David Hoey, CEO WorldSkills, told Khaleej Times that he is hopeful the event will help inspire more young Emiratis focus on their talents and skills.
"Events like this provide career opportunities and allow people to understand what is beneath everything."
He said employees do not just look for top grades and posh university degrees. "Skills competitions drive you up to excellence, and that's exactly what's happening right here in the UAE," he added.
Hoey said he is impressed with how WorldSkills Abu Dhabi has turned out.
"WorldSkills is like the Olympics -the stock standard piece is there, but of course this year we witness the Emirati hospitality and culture. 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.
"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," added the CEO.
Crowds flock to Abu Dhabi Police stand
Crowds of visitors flocked the Abu Dhabi Police platform during the WorldSkills event, which showcased impressive gadgets and innovative technologies, used in helping keep the community safe.
A fleet of luxury police vehicles were also on stand, including a Lamborghini, a Ferrari and a BMW, which all seemed to catch the eyes of visitors of all ages. The vehicles also displayed the recently launched blue and white police logo.
Abu Dhabi Police are also educating youngsters at the event about safety and are raising awareness about the dangers of drugs. Police also distributed brochures for the blind and deaf about the dangers of illegal substances, which was in coordination with Zayed Higher Foundation for Humanitarian Care.
Lieutenant Colonel Tahir Al Dhaheri, head of the anti-narcotics department at Abu Dhabi Police, said it is crucial to raise the level of awareness, particularly among the youth at the event.
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