Gulf News

Nation: Expo volunteers embody values of UAE, Nahayan says

Thousands attend training sessions lasting 40,000 hours

- DUBAI

Shaikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistenc­e and Commission­er General of Expo 2020 Dubai, has praised the 30,000 volunteers who will help deliver an exceptiona­l World Expo when Dubai welcomes the world from October 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022.

Expo 2020 volunteers have completed more than 40,000 hours of training to date, demonstrat­ing their preparedne­ss for the first event of its kind in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region.

Extensive training

Thousands of volunteers also attended the high-energy Expo 2020 Orientatio­n Experience at Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), Expo 2020 Dubai, one of 13 identical sessions designed to inform and inspire, while adhering to strict Covid-19 safety measures.

Expo 2020’s extensive training programme equips volunteers with essential skills and knowledge for their roles, as well as demonstrat­ing the warm UAE hospitalit­y that will help create lasting memories for the millions of visitors during the megaevent’s six-month run. From gamified online learning to face-to-face role-specific and site-specific training, led by Expo 2020 experts, the volunteers have been taken through an engaging learning journey.

Shaikh Nahayan said: “Expo 2020 coincides with the UAE’s Golden Jubilee celebratio­ns, and I am humbled to recognise that the Expo 2020 volunteers share a common set of values that mirror the principles on which our nation has thrived. They are from diverse nationalit­ies, background­s and age groups, and will travel from all seven emirates to join us as we welcome the world in a spirit of compassion, collaborat­ion and optimism for the future.

Diverse nationalit­ies

Expo 2020 volunteers range from university students and employees to National Service cadets, homemakers and retirees, as well as people of determinat­ion. UAE Nationals form 45 per cent of the volunteers, which together represent 135-plus nationalit­ies and range from 18 to 79 years of age.

 ??  ?? ■ Shaikh Nahayan interacts with Expo 2020 Dubai volunteers. UAE nationals make up 45 per cent of the volunteers.
■ Shaikh Nahayan interacts with Expo 2020 Dubai volunteers. UAE nationals make up 45 per cent of the volunteers.

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