On July 29, 2026, His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, visited the Sheikh Zayed Summer Festival in the Al Wathba area of Abu Dhabi, according to official reports. During the visit, he met with the UAE national team preparing to compete in the WorldSkills competition, Shanghai 2026, and emphasized that the nation’s youth represent its true wealth.
Sheikh Zayed Summer Festival Activities and Programs
The Sheikh Zayed Summer Festival delivers a comprehensive program of educational, recreational, and cultural activities designed for children and youths during the summer holiday. According to official details, the festival features 3,000 workshops and specialized programs provided by 30 national, academic, security, sports, and community entities for approximately 10,000 students. The initiative aims to invest the summer break into developing student skills, fostering creativity and innovation, and cementing national identity and authentic Emirati values through an integrated educational environment that combines knowledge with practical application.
Sheikh Mansour toured the festival accompanied by senior officials, including Sana Suhail, Minister of Family; Humaid Al Neyadi, Director of the Office of the Chairman of the Presidential Court; Rashid Al Ameri, Advisor to the Office of the President for Strategic Affairs in the Presidential Court; and Sultan Al Humairi, Advisor to the Office of the President for Strategic Affairs in the Presidential Court, alongside other high-ranking officials. During the tour, officials briefed him on the festival’s core objectives and its focus on practical learning experiences.
Preparation of the UAE WorldSkills Team for Shanghai 2026
At the Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ACTVET) pavilion, Sheikh Mansour met with the 17-member UAE team—comprising both male and female contestants—who will compete in 16 technical and vocational skills at the WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 competition. ACTVET oversees the preparation and qualification of the squad through a strategic roadmap that encompasses talent acquisition, contestant selection, and rigorous training aligned with top international standards.
According to official statements, Sheikh Mansour noted that equipping the nation’s youth with advanced skills and modern knowledge serves as the most critical investment in the future. He stated via social media platform X that the nation’s greatest wager remains on its people, expressing full confidence that the young competitors will deliver a commendable representation of the UAE’s drive for excellence.
Did You Know? The UAE team preparing for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 consists of 17 contestants selected to compete across 16 distinct technical and vocational skill categories under the supervision of the Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who visited the Sheikh Zayed Summer Festival?
His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, visited the festival on July 29, 2026.
What is the purpose of the Sheikh Zayed Summer Festival?
The festival offers educational, recreational, and cultural programs aimed at children and youths to develop their skills, foster creativity, and instill national values during the summer break.
How many participants are on the UAE WorldSkills team for Shanghai 2026?
The UAE team includes 17 male and female contestants who will compete in 16 technical and vocational skills.
How will the focus on technical education and advanced skills shape the future competitiveness of young Emirati professionals on the global stage?