A large number of potential Expo 2020 Dubai volunteers were the first to be given a glimpse of what could be in store for them as the ‘face’ of the largest global gathering ever to be staged in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, at a dedicated event in Dubai today.

Expo 2020 Dubai launched its search for more than 30,000 volunteers last month and at today’s event, candidates from various nationalities and age groups were briefed on the many opportunities that will be available both before and during the World Expo.

Expo 2020 promises to be a transformative and enduring landmark in the history of the UAE, as well as the wider region.

The volunteers will play a crucial role, building on the UAE’s renowned tradition of hospitality by welcoming millions of visitors during the six-month event. Of these, 70 per cent are expected to come from outside the UAE, an unprecedented proportion in the 166-year history of World Expos.

As well as learning more about volunteering, the candidates at today’s event had the opportunity to talk face-to-face with representatives of the Expo volunteers team in the first stage of the selection process.

Najeeb Mohammed Al Ali, the executive director, Dubai Expo 2020 Bureau, said: "The positive turnout at today’s event reflects the high level of awareness, as well as the excitement, across the UAE about being part of the journey to Expo 2020 and beyond."

"It has been only three weeks since the launch of our dedicated volunteer portal and the response has been really encouraging, with so many people from different ages and backgrounds coming forward to say they want to be a part of this exceptional experience. And we want many more to join us," remarked Al Ali.

While the doors open on October 20, preparations for Expo are already well underway and UAE-based adult volunteers of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds have the opportunity to be involved in the journey.

Volunteers can participate in Expo events leading up to 2020, as well as brainstorming sessions that could see their ideas included in the plans, bringing to life Expo 2020’s main theme, ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’.

During Expo, there will be more than 45 volunteering roles, from welcoming guests and guiding them around the Expo districts to managing events, with more than 16 million volunteering hours across 173 days, he stated.

Volunteers will gain unrivalled hands-on experience, exposure and work-ready skills as they help to put on one of the world’s largest events, he added.

Al Ali pointed out that there were many reasons that motivated people to volunteer, such as the desire to work closely with others, to be a part of something unique and gain knowledge by engaging in a distinct experience.

It will serve as a platform for international collaboration, fostering innovation and creating meaningful partnerships that will live far beyond 2020 – not only for the UAE, but for the wider region and the world, he added.

More than 200 international participants, including countries, companies, NGOs and educational institutions are set to participate, making Expo 2020 one of the most inclusive in the history of World Expos.-TradeArabia News Service