160,000 apply to volunteer at Expo 2020 Dubai in 'phenomenal' show of public support

Members of the public still have two weeks to register to be part of the global event

An artist's impression of the UAE pavilion at the Expo 2020 Dubai site. Wam

The Czech Republic Expo 2020 pavilion

The Spanish Expo 2020 pavilion

The Swiss Expo 2020 Pavilion

Philippines 2020 Expo pavilion. Courtesy: Philippines Expo 2020

The German pavilion. Courtesy: German Pavilion EXPO 2020 Dubai

France pavilion Expo 2020

The Saudi pavilion at Expo 2020. Courtesy Expo 2020 Dubai

The Omani pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Courtesy: Expo 2020

More than 160,000 people across the UAE have applied to be volunteers at Expo 2020 Dubai – five times the number needed for this year's mega event.

Organisers hailed the overwhelming support of the public for the first world's fair to be held in the Middle East and issued a reminder that there was still time to get involved.

The deadline for registrations for the massive Expo 2020 volunteer programme closes on March 31.

Thirty-thousand volunteers from 180 countries are set to greet millions of visitors from all over the globe when the six-month-long extravaganza gets under way on October 1.

The celebration of international ingenuity and innovation was due to be held in October last year, only for the rise of the Covid-19 pandemic to lead to the event being postponed for 12 months.

“As the first World Expo to be held in the Arab world, Expo 2020 promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all," said Abeer Al Hosani, director of the Expo 2020 Volunteers Programme.

"Volunteers will be at the heart of the action, gaining lifelong skills, and exploring and networking with international visitors, participants, businessmen, entrepreneurs and more.

“We are delighted with the phenomenal response and commitment from the UAE community, who have been with us throughout this entire journey.

"I invite all those who have not yet submitted their applications to seize their chance before applications close on March 31, and contribute to Expo’s volunteering legacy, which is built on the UAE’s deep-rooted spirit of volunteerism.”

The volunteer programme accepts applications from people aged 18 and over.

They can be of any nationality, but must be fluent in English, possess strong communication skills, and be able to volunteer for 10 shifts.

After the deadline has passed, Expo 2020 will continue screening applications and conducting personal interviews to select its team of volunteers to be the friendly face of the showpiece event for visitors.

For more information on how to become a volunteer, visit this website.