Etihad Airways Group supports vocational excellence at Worldskills Abu Dhabi

Etihad Airways is the Official Airline, with Hala Abu Dhabi – the company’s destination management company – Official Customer Service Provider for the event, which takes place in Abu Dhabi between 15 – 18 October.

The 44th edition of the global competition – being held in the Middle East for the first time – is bringing together over 3,500 competitors and industry experts from over 75 countries aimed at fostering a spirit of knowledge sharing for vocational careers.

WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017 will help boost relations and the exchange of knowledge between GCC countries, nearby Asian nations and countries across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Being held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, the event also brings together key education and government stakeholders.

Different parts of Etihad Aviation Group have joined forces to help deliver a successful event: from facilitating flights and freight, airport meet and greet, accommodation, visa services, hotel transfers and organising excursions for over 3,000 participants across Abu Dhabi – including the biggest trip to the new Etihad Desert Camp – to promoting vocational excellence through a dedicated exhibition stand highlighting various technical skills that are required to work across the business.

Hala Abu Dhabi and Etihad Airways’ Learning and Development department are spearheading the group’s participation, which also includes representation on a panel discussion on shaping the education system for the future.

Gavin Halliday, Managing Director of Hala Group, said: “WorldSkills Abu Dhabi is one of the biggest events on the calendar in our capital city this year, and we are extremely proud to leverage our expertise in organising an event of such magnitude that requires high levels of support at all touch points for travelling delegates from around the world. We are also extremely pleased to have given delegates an exclusive preview and experience of the new Etihad Desert Camp which is managed and operated by Hala Abu Dhabi and due to officially open very soon.”    

Wissam Hachem, Etihad Aviation Group Vice President Learning and Development, said: “We are delighted to partner with WorldSkills Abu Dhabi, dedicating resources from across the business to support this exciting event that promises to promote and harness vocational skills among young people to help shape their future careers.

“As a people business, Etihad Aviation Group has a commitment to nurture and develop skills in the workplace to drive a motivated workforce. WorldSkills Abu Dhabi is a perfect opportunity for competitors from around the world not only to demonstrate their vocational skills, but to also promote a spirit of learning and reinforcing the need for education providers, industries and students to work together, integrate development efforts and align future activities which is vital in the workplace.”