As preparations ramp up for Abu Dhabi’s December/January Volvo Ocean Race Stopover and the yachts battle it out for glory from Spain to the Emirates via Cape Town, more than 200 volunteers are being recruited to help deliver the UAE capital’s 23-day watersports, entertainment and cultural event.

Volunteer roles exist both on and off the water at the purpose-built Destination Village on Abu Dhabi’s Corniche Breakwater, which is expected to attract 200,000 visitors between December 12 and January 3.

Jobs range from overseeing many of the Destination Village’s top attractions, to serving as accreditation officers and information ambassadors, or assisting with race operations, said a statement from the organisers.

Beyond contributing to Abu Dhabi's reputation as a year-round international visitor destination and regional water sports hub, volunteers will be able to meet new people and learn fresh skills, it stated.

The ideal volunteer must be at least 16 years of age with good fluency in English and/or Arabic and be able to commit to at least two pre-event orientation/training sessions between November 29 and December 6 and three event days between  December 12 and January 3.

The selected volunteers will be given a full pre-event training including a specialised Volvo Ocean Race mentor programme and will receive official certification of their involvement.

They will also be provided with specially-designed Volvo Ocean Race clothing from Musto, free transportation and parking, a commemorative gift, daily meals and a chance to get up close and personal with the UAE’s own Volvo Ocean Race entrant Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing and its Volvo 65 yacht, Azzam.-TradeArabia News Service