Higher College of Technology honours 130 winning students of ‘HCT Skills 2026’

Abu Dhabi- The Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) celebrated the achievements of 130 talented students at a ceremony held at its Dubai Academic City campus. The event, marking the second edition of HCT Skills 2026, recognized the participants' prowess in various competition categories. Dr. Faisal Alayyan, HCT's President and CEO, commended the initiative as a critical part of HCT's applied education model, which equips students with practical skills and prepares them for real-world scenarios.

Alayyan stated, "HCT Skills serves as a structured pathway for students, enabling them to transition from preparation to competition in simulated workplace environments."

This year's competition witnessed a significant surge in participation, with more than 800 students from seven academic fields competing, representing a 60% increase from the 2025 edition. The applicants were assessed by a panel of experts and judges from HCT and partner institutions, adhering to the rigorous evaluation criteria used in the Emirates Skills and WorldSkills competitions.

The skills showcased by the participants were evaluated against global standards, ensuring that the competition's outcomes held professional significance and relevance.

The competition encompassed a diverse array of competencies, ranging from cybersecurity and application development to robotics, advanced manufacturing, aircraft and drone maintenance, and digital design and marketing. Additionally, it featured health sciences, communication, artificial intelligence, among other fields. The assessment process prioritized WorldSkills Standards, a globally recognized benchmark for technical and vocational education and training, ensuring a standardized and objective evaluation of student performance.

Dr. Nasser Humaid Al Nuaimi, Secretary General of Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement, underscored the importance of the competition in nurturing advanced sectors by cultivating the talent essential to their growth. He highlighted that the 'HCT Skills Competition' plays a pivotal role in bringing together young, diverse talents, offering them a platform to compete, apply their knowledge, and gain invaluable practical experience in an innovative and excellence-driven environment.

Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports and Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology, expressed his admiration for the students' performance and the remarkable skills they demonstrated. He emphasized the significance of investing in young Emirati talent, stressing that the initiative underscores the necessity for education to anticipate the skills required for future industrial and economic growth.

Al Falasi affirmed that HCT's applied education model, by blending academic rigor with industry-relevant experience, aligns graduates with the UAE's strategic priorities and the demands of its evolving sectors. He concluded by asserting that such an approach empowers graduates to lead the change and make meaningful contributions to the nation's ongoing development.