A group of Emirati teenagers have been on a mission to hone their skills ahead of a national contest, where they hope to stand out as stellar plaster and drywall specialists capable of making prefabricated walls entirely by hand.
A small group of Emirati teens clad in blue overalls are gathered inside a large, almost empty room. Their hands – and the floors and walls – are smeared with white plaster. Off to one side is a mountain of broken-down drywall and metal.
The group has been immersed in a workshop ahead of the EmiratesSkills competition, which began on Tuesday and wraps up tomorrow at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.
Each has been engaged in an unlikely challenge: to become country’s foremost plaster and drywall specialist.
“That massive pile of rubbish over there,” says Gary Condon, their chief instructor. “It hasn’t been taken in about two or three weeks. You can see they’ve been doing quite a lot of work.”
Their work involves making and finishing interior walls entirely by hand, using an assortment of tools. It’s a laborious process of practice, trial and error.
“Every week, we start one and as soon as they finish it, over two days, we demolish it and two days later, we start it again,” Mr Condon says.
The workshop is cordoned off into individual spaces with red tape. Tools include a screw gun, snips, a hawk and trowel, plastering knives, a Stanley knife, chalk line, cordless drill, pencils, markers, a level and a set square.
Rashid Mohammed, 19, says he first heard about the competition through school.
“I was interested when I heard about plastering because it’s a new profession – a new practice. Nobody does it here in the UAE and there isn’t anywhere you can learn it.”
Hamed Al Mazimi, 16, says he has learned a great deal. “I wanted to try something new, learn a new skill and face a fresh challenge.”
Mr Condon, who won a gold medal representing Ireland in London at 2011’s WorldSkills competition, an annual event that is coming to Abu Dhabi in 2017, has spent the last 10 weeks training the Emirati students.
The project began at last year’s EmiratesSkills, when the drywall company Gyproc, for which Mr Condon is lead systems demonstrator, displayed the craft.
Over the next two days at Adnec, each student will have just 14 hours to build a partition from scratch, measuring 1.2 metres by 1.2 metres, with a window, ceiling and finished exterior wall.
On Tuesday morning, they marked out their floor space and measurements and started building. Today, they’ll tackle the ceiling, plaster and clean up, says Condon, with the students “making sure everything is as nice and neat as possible”.
Judges will then measure their work, giving only a 2-millimetre leeway in each direction on the original specifications. “That’s the same as on the world platform level of judging,” says Mr Condon. The students will work in spaces that are 5 square metres. Inside, they have all they need – tools, workbench, gypsum boards and a platform on which to work.
Points are awarded cumulatively. Failure to meet criteria results in a failure to score points. They must not stray from their respective spaces without permission or risk automatic disqualification.
Any unsafe behaviour, such as tossing tools or failing to wear the appropriate safety gear, will be penalised. Four judges will assess the projects based on measurements and appearance, even taking into account details such as the depth of the screws into the gypsum boards.
“I built this,” says Mr Condon, pointing to an immaculate project in the corner of the workshop. “Two weeks ago, the guys were getting good, so I said ‘Right lads, on Sunday I’m going to go against you’.
“They started making mistakes because they weren’t used to competitions. They were all shouting at me: ‘Teacher, slow down, slow down.’”
His assistant instructor and Gyproc colleague, Zanoon Jamil, was on hand to help translate some words of wisdom, telling the students to relax and focus only within their own workspaces.
“The person who is doing it the fastest may get points for completion but the quality may not be good,” says Mr Condon, 26.
He had far more experience than his students when he won the Irish national competition in 2010.
“When I was doing my competition I was already working in the construction industry, whereas here not many Emiratis are involved in construction work.”
Mr Condon began working in carpentry when he was 17, before moving into plastering a year later. In the 2010 competition, he came in joint first place. The next year, he scored the most points, but the Irish competition only allows people to win once.
He went on a two-week competitive course, where he beat the “young lads” who came first and second in 2011 and spent five months training, ahead of winning WorldSkills 2011, repeatedly building and tearing down projects.
He trained for five months ahead of winning WorldSkills 2011, repeatedly building and tearing down projects.
“When I went to London, I built the best one I ever built. I just put in my ear blockers and I was just in the zone.”
Apart from being scouted out by his employer Gyproc, which is owned by the French multinational company Saint-Gobain that sponsored his WorldSkills efforts, Mr Condon says the experience changed his life.
“I’m also on the WorldSkills Champions Trust Committee now, representing the Middle East, Asia and Ireland.”
As one of nine trust members, he travels the world, training in new skills such as public speaking, and volunteering to “spread the word”.
“For any of these guys, it could change their lives. I come from a little village in Ireland, to now living in one of the richest cities in the world and working with one of the biggest companies in the world.”
Khalifa Al Hammadi, 17, admits he was nervous heading into the competition, although he has not found the work too difficult. Ahmed Al Nuami, 19, is confident.
“I think they’re excited, but I know they’re nervous as well,” says Mr Condon.
They are also making history. “Whoever is the gold medal winner would be the first ever national champion in plaster and drywall.”
They could possibly go on to represent their country at WorldSkills next year when Abu Dhabi plays host, depending on who next year’s EmiratesSkills winners are.
“When I found out I was winning any medal, I burst into tears,” says Mr Condon. “When I went up to the stage and found out it was gold, I could barely contain my excitement. That feeling is unbelievable and I want these guys to get that feeling as well.”
Aidan Jones, executive director for World Skills Abu Dhabi in October next year, says the event will be the largest ever held at Adnec.
“We will have 1,200 competitors from 75 countries competing in 50 skills,” Mr Jones says.
The event will also show other new skills to the public and allow them to take part. Mr Jones, who ran the London 2011 event, says the competition will promote vocational and technical education and training and the breadth of other skills.
It fits perfectly, he elaborates, with the UAE’s vision to further diversify its economy away from oil and gas.
“Young people need to choose the paths that are right for them. Rather than just, for example, a university degree, there are many ways and paths to take in one’s career to be a successful contributor to society and the economy.”
Across the world, people have different perceptions of vocational careers, says Mr Jones.
“In Switzerland, for example, you would naturally treat an electrician with a higher degree of respect than you would in some other countries and that has to do with a mindset.
“Once we get into the world of trying to change mindsets and attitudes, that’s a much tougher job to do.”
halbustani@thenational.ae
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
Jawan
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Drishyam 2
Directed by: Jeethu Joseph
Starring: Mohanlal, Meena, Ansiba, Murali Gopy
Rating: 4 stars
Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
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The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
Results
1. New Zealand Daniel Meech – Fine (name of horse), Richard Gardner – Calisto, Bruce Goodin - Backatorps Danny V, Samantha McIntosh – Check In. Team total First round: 200.22; Second round: 201.75 – Penalties 12 (jump-off 40.16 seconds) Prize €64,000
2. Ireland Cameron Hanley – Aiyetoro, David Simpson – Keoki, Paul Kennedy – Cartown Danger Mouse, Shane Breen – Laith. Team total 200.25/202.84 – P 12 (jump-off 51.79 – P17) Prize €40,000
3. Italy Luca Maria Moneta – Connery, Luca Coata – Crandessa, Simone Coata – Dardonge, Natale Chiaudani – Almero. Team total 130.82/198.-4 – P20. Prize €32,000
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
What is graphene?
Graphene is extracted from graphite and is made up of pure carbon.
It is 200 times more resistant than steel and five times lighter than aluminum.
It conducts electricity better than any other material at room temperature.
It is thought that graphene could boost the useful life of batteries by 10 per cent.
Graphene can also detect cancer cells in the early stages of the disease.
The material was first discovered when Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov were 'playing' with graphite at the University of Manchester in 2004.
Mercedes V250 Avantgarde specs
Engine: 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder turbo
Gearbox: 7-speed automatic
Power: 211hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 350Nm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.0 l/100 km
Price: Dh235,000
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The specs: 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn
Price, base / as tested: Dhxxx
Engine: 5.7L V8
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 395hp @ 5,600rpm
Torque: 556Nm @ 3,950rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.7L / 100km
Emergency
Director: Kangana Ranaut
Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry
Rating: 2/5
if you go
The flights
Emirates flies to Delhi with fares starting from around Dh760 return, while Etihad fares cost about Dh783 return. From Delhi, there are connecting flights to Lucknow.
Where to stay
It is advisable to stay in Lucknow and make a day trip to Kannauj. A stay at the Lebua Lucknow hotel, a traditional Lucknowi mansion, is recommended. Prices start from Dh300 per night (excluding taxes).
The Porpoise
By Mark Haddon
(Penguin Random House)
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
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The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
Recent winners
2002 Giselle Khoury (Colombia)
2004 Nathalie Nasralla (France)
2005 Catherine Abboud (Oceania)
2007 Grace Bijjani (Mexico)
2008 Carina El-Keddissi (Brazil)
2009 Sara Mansour (Brazil)
2010 Daniella Rahme (Australia)
2011 Maria Farah (Canada)
2012 Cynthia Moukarzel (Kuwait)
2013 Layla Yarak (Australia)
2014 Lia Saad (UAE)
2015 Cynthia Farah (Australia)
2016 Yosmely Massaad (Venezuela)
2017 Dima Safi (Ivory Coast)
2018 Rachel Younan (Australia)
What is graphene?
Graphene is a single layer of carbon atoms arranged like honeycomb.
It was discovered in 2004, when Russian-born Manchester scientists Andrei Geim and Kostya Novoselov were "playing about" with sticky tape and graphite - the material used as "lead" in pencils.
Placing the tape on the graphite and peeling it, they managed to rip off thin flakes of carbon. In the beginning they got flakes consisting of many layers of graphene. But as they repeated the process many times, the flakes got thinner.
By separating the graphite fragments repeatedly, they managed to create flakes that were just one atom thick. Their experiment had led to graphene being isolated for the very first time.
At the time, many believed it was impossible for such thin crystalline materials to be stable. But examined under a microscope, the material remained stable, and when tested was found to have incredible properties.
It is many times times stronger than steel, yet incredibly lightweight and flexible. It is electrically and thermally conductive but also transparent. The world's first 2D material, it is one million times thinner than the diameter of a single human hair.
But the 'sticky tape' method would not work on an industrial scale. Since then, scientists have been working on manufacturing graphene, to make use of its incredible properties.
In 2010, Geim and Novoselov were awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics. Their discovery meant physicists could study a new class of two-dimensional materials with unique properties.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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if you go
The flights
Direct flights from the UAE to the Nepalese capital, Kathmandu, are available with Air Arabia, (www.airarabia.com) Fly Dubai (www.flydubai.com) or Etihad (www.etihad.com) from Dh1,200 return including taxes. The trek described here started from Jomson, but there are many other start and end point variations depending on how you tailor your trek. To get to Jomson from Kathmandu you must first fly to the lake-side resort town of Pokhara with either Buddha Air (www.buddhaair.com) or Yeti Airlines (www.yetiairlines.com). Both charge around US$240 (Dh880) return. From Pokhara there are early morning flights to Jomson with Yeti Airlines or Simrik Airlines (www.simrikairlines.com) for around US$220 (Dh800) return.
The trek
Restricted area permits (US$500 per person) are required for trekking in the Upper Mustang area. The challenging Meso Kanto pass between Tilcho Lake and Jomson should not be attempted by those without a lot of mountain experience and a good support team. An excellent trekking company with good knowledge of Upper Mustang, the Annaurpuna Circuit and Tilcho Lake area and who can help organise a version of the trek described here is the Nepal-UK run Snow Cat Travel (www.snowcattravel.com). Prices vary widely depending on accommodation types and the level of assistance required.
500 People from Gaza enter France
115 Special programme for artists
25 Evacuation of injured and sick
