Ali Al Marzouqi, CEO of WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017, has estimated that the cost of the equipment dedicated to competitions in the event was AED94.44 million.

''The cost of the equipment was borne by 105 companies sponsoring the competition, while the additional equipment was bought, with the number of items required for the competition infrastructure reaching 12,000,'' he revealed.

In statements to the Emirates News Agency, WAM, he said that the equipment would be used even after the conclusion of the competitions, either by returning them to the sponsoring companies or by distributing them to schools, educational institutions and universities. They are agricultural, medical, building and construction, airplane and car maintenance, computerised manufacturing and information technology equipment, as well as those that contribute to developing the students’ skills in their speciality.

Al Marzouqi clarified that safety procedures were followed to guarantee the safe use of the equipment, according to the best international practices, and instructions were provided to all the competitors and members of the participating teams.

Further, 14,000 kinds of personal-protection equipment were made available, 1,400 informative boards were installed and 350 additional fire extinguishers were installed in the places where the competition is being held.

Around 1,300 Competitors from 60 WorldSkills Member countries and regions participated in the 44th edition of the WorldSkills Competition, which took place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from 15th to 18th October.

They competed in 51 different Skills ranging from floristry to bricklaying; aircraft maintenance to mobile robotics.

More than 100,000 visitors from across the UAE and around the world were expected to attend WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017.

WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017 aims to inspire young people to study technical education and vocational skills for entrepreneurship or for their career, in line with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision.

Abu Dhabi was selected as host city in 2013, with the competition being awarded to EmiratesSkills