Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of the Presidential Court, Abu Dhabi will host the MILSET Expo Science International (ESI) in 2025. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ACTVET), the event will take place from 27 September to 3 October 2025.

The expo aims to exchange expertise and highlight the best projects presented by a select group of creative students and those aspiring to be future scientists from over 50 countries in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM).

The announcement of hosting the event in Abu Dhabi reflects the emirate’s status in the fields of science, innovation, and creativity, as well as its ability to host major global events. The official confirmation of ACTVET winning the bid to host the scientific event was made during the closing ceremony in the previous edition of MILSET ESI held in Mexico. Dr Mubarak Saeed Al Shamsi, Director General of ACTVET, said: “The patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of the Presidential Court, reflects the leadership's keen interest in this event and its commitment to aligning it with the esteemed status of UAE among nations worldwide. Winning the bid to host the Milset ESI 2025 is undoubtedly a testament to Abu Dhabi's leadership in organising specialized global conferences, major scientific events, and gatherings.”

“This event also aligns to our strategic goal to nurture the next generation of innovators and creators, and we are confident that this upcoming event will serve as an opportunity to inspire students aspiring to be future scientists, allowing them to showcase their ideas and innovations. Moreover, it will also provide a platform for knowledge exchange and enhancing international connections with delegations participating in the fields of STEAM from around the globe."

"We are proud to host the MILSET ESI 2025 in Abu Dhabi. The event will encourage young people in the UAE to achieve higher levels of creativity and excellence as well increase their interest in scientific and creative fields and develop a culture of innovation. It will also help them acquire the necessary skills for the labour market, contributing effectively to the country's future development."

The MILSET ESI 2025 is considered as the largest event focused on scientific creativity for aspiring young scientists from all over the world, with student participants from more than 50 countries. The event is an initiative of the International Movement for Leisure Activities in Science and Technology, a non-governmental, non-profit, politically independent youth organisation aimed at developing a scientific culture among young people through organising science and technology programmes.

Hosting the MILSET aims to reflect the commitment of ACTVET to encourage more young Emiratis to pursue scientific fields, gain experience and competencies, and obtain professional development opportunities. It also highlights the prestigious status of Abu Dhabi as a global hub for education in STEAM and innovation.

The MILSET provides a platform for youth from around the world to showcase projects in STEAM, participate in interactive exhibitions organised by specialised institutions in these fields. In addition to the main exhibition, the programme includes cultural and scientific tours, recreational activities, workshops, and conferences. It also provides an opportunity for those responsible for STEAM programmes in the participating countries to attend, exchange ideas, and learn about best practices to enhance and promote science and technology.