Student Artistry Challenged at Emirates Skills

Students from all around the Emirates joined forces to compete at the country’s largest skills competition. Emirates Skills is a national event that challenges young people and introduces them to a huge variety of technical and vocational careers. Hundreds of students spent months learning their skills ahead of a three-day competition and judging panel at ADNEC. The event brought together 200 experts, 40 judging panels and more than 500 students to compete in 30 skill categories ranging from carpentry, to mechatronics, and media production. For some, the skills were just a hobby, but for others, skills like software programming and automobile engineering were the first step towards their career path, as well the chance to get their hands on almost Dh40,000 in prize money for first place. 16 year-old Shayma Al Shehhi decided to learn a new skill and competed in jewelry making. She was one of a group of students challenged to create two separate designs using tools for the first time. She said the skill introduced her to a world of patience and precision.