Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management (ADMM), operators of Yas Marina Circuit, and Takatof, the volunteer programme of the Emirates Foundation for Philanthropy, have teamed up to provide Emirati volunteers for the upcoming inaugural Formula 1.

The 2009 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be held from October 30 to November 1 at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.

Takatof signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with ADMM to organise the recruitment, training and management of the largest UAE National volunteer workforce ever recruited.

Up to 900 volunteers will fulfill key hospitality-related positions during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, on and off the circuit.

“This mutually beneficial partnership provides a valuable platform for Emiratis, enabling them to engage with a high profile international audience and world class event, which is a truly learning experience,” said Richard Cregan, CEO of Yas Marina Circuit and ADMM.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be the first of many Yas Marina Circuit events that will require the commitment of local volunteers and allows us to be represented by the rich warmth and hospitality of the UAE.

This type of community engagement is an important objective for ADMM and we are confident that the volunteer experience will be extremely valuable.

Maytha Al Habsi, director of Takatof, said: “Working at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will provide unique and valuable experience in responsible people management for our volunteers. There has already been tremendous interest among our volunteers, as this event will offer them unprecedented opportunities to enhance their organizational skills.”

Takatof will provide specialized training for all its volunteers that participate in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.  The programme will cover the roles and responsibilities for every volunteer, together with technical training – which includes health and fire safety, customer service and protocol.

After training, volunteers will be assigned duties within Yas Marina Circuit and at other major customer touch points outside the circuit. Roles will range from airport greeting, hotel information customer service desk, shuttle bus assistance, grandstand assistance, communication volunteers and VIP greetings.

All volunteers will receive a “certificate of experience” recognizing their commitment and service. – TradeArabia News Service