Narmeen Almarzooqi, a young computer systems student from Abu Dhabi, has been appointed as the Global Dream Ambassador for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. As a Competitor in IT Software Solutions for Business at WorldSkills Lyon 2024, Narmeen has not only demonstrated exceptional technical skills, but also become a role model for the new generation of skilled youth through her passion and vision for interdisciplinary learning.

Dream Sets Sail: A Middle Eastern girl’s WorldSkills journey

Narmeen’s story perfectly embodies the saying that “opportunity favors the prepared mind.” Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computational Systems at Zayed University, she is a passionate explorer of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). However, her journey to WorldSkills was not a straight, pre-planned path, but rather a surprising detour filled with unexpected turns.

With a deep passion for technology, Narmeen initially applied for the robotics skill through ACTVET’s Skills Hub programme. Although her application was unsuccessful, her potential was keenly recognized by the experts, and her CV was subsequently forwarded to the lead of the IT Software Solutions project. A few days later, a life-changing message arrived, “Hey, do you want to train for WorldSkills? Maybe you’ll get the chance to go to France for the 47th WorldSkills Competition.”

Recalling that moment, Narmeen remains deeply moved, “I was like, wow! Sometimes you have a certain plan in mind, but then God’s plan is so much better.” This far better plan then led her on the journey to WorldSkills Lyon 2024, where she represented the UAE in IT Software Solutions for Business, competing alongside the world’s top young talents.

For Narmeen, the experience was far more than a competition. The WorldSkills training process offered her a multi-dimensional learning journey. “It’s not just IT. There is the business aspect and understanding the needs of the client,” she explains. This interdisciplinary challenge ignited her lasting passion for integrating skills across disciplines.

Growth path: Planning the future on the “chessboard” of skills

Narmeen’s personal growth is itself a vivid example of interdisciplinary learning in action. As a woman in STEM in the Gulf region, she has a unique perspective on gender representation in technical fields. She explains that in the Gulf, particularly in the UAE, more women than men graduate in STEM fields, contrary to global trends. For this reason, she was shocked to see the gender imbalance at the Competition, with only one other woman, from Singapore, competing in her skill. This firsthand experience further strengthened her determination to speak up for diversity and inclusion.

Yet Narmeen has never confined herself to a single technical field. While studying computer systems, she is also working with Masdar – a renewable energy company – on youth-focused sustainability initiatives, and has recently obtained a Global Journalism Qualification Certificate from CNN Academy, further enhancing her global communication skills.

These experiences have shaped her distinctive “philosophy of skills”. Narmeen firmly believes the future does not need specialists confined to a single domain, but generalists who can connect different fields. “It’s good to be good at many things, but you need to have that one thing you’re great at,” she explains. “What makes you stand out is being able to find the intersections between different fields. That’s what leads to innovation.”

Narmeen illustrates this idea with a powerful metaphor,  “It’s like a game of chess. You unlock one skill and find out that there are so many things that intersect, but also new things that you could do.” In her view, this approach is essential in a rapidly changing labor market. She believes, as highlighted by skills experts and policymakers, that the future of work will require workers to upskill and reskill more than once during their professional lives. Therefore, cultivating a multidisciplinary mindset right from school can help future generations adapt, be more career-ready, and reach their full potentials. “You don’t always need to be part of major programs to build these skills; sometimes personal hobbies or curiosity can be just as powerful,” she stresses.

In addition, her WorldSkills experience – particularly the training received by the Experts before the Competition – greatly strengthened her emphasis on soft skills. “The cultural diversity was incredible. The training was intense, but the team-building sessions we had – where Experts taught us soft skills like self-control and strategic thinking – were just as valuable as the technical training,” she says. This experience reinforced her belief that adaptability, collaboration, and technical excellence must go hand in hand in a globalized workplace.

Ambassador’s mission: Listening to the world, connecting youth with skills-driven dreams

At WorldSkills General Assembly 2025, Narmeen was appointed as a Global Dream Ambassador for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. She feels deeply honored and recognizes the responsibility she has taken on. She has seen firsthand how WorldSkills opens doors for young people and connects them to limitless possibilities.

Now, she has an even greater platform to pursue her aspirations, “I plan to listen to the voices of young people from around the world, especially those of Chinese youth.” She fully recognizes that WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 is not just a Competition, but a historic opportunity. “Skills can unleash limitless potential anywhere in the world, and can also inspire the next generation to grow.”

Narmeen also serves as the WorldSkills Champions Trust representative for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. She is excited about the opportunity to engage with the United Nations and participate in WorldSkills Conferences. “This opportunity aligns perfectly with my future aspirations in global affairs and public policy,” she notes. During her term, she hopes her story will inspire more young people to embrace interdisciplinary learning, break down traditional skill barriers, and explore the vast possibilities offered by skills training. “The future of work demands continuous skill renewal, and interdisciplinary thinking is key to adapting to change.”

Message for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026: The true victory is showcasing your skills to the world.

Looking ahead to the upcoming WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, Narmeen is filled with anticipation and heartfelt wishes. “Believing in skills is believing in humanity itself. Every skill mastered lights a new path for hope and progress.” She hopes that every Competitor on the WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 stage will deeply understand the value of this journey,  “All the ups and downs you’ve experienced have shaped who you are today. Winning a medal or completing the competition is a great honor, but the true victory lies in showcasing your skills to the world.”