Representatives of the social development programme, Watani Al Emarat, were welcomed to the Expo 2020 Dubai site as part of their ‘Leaders of 2020’ initiative to get updates on the Expo’s volunteer programme.

A total of 60 young Emirati women, the second group of Watani’s ‘Leaders of 2020’ initiative, was in attendance to find out more about the Expo’s plans of assembling a force of tens of thousands of volunteers of all ages and nationalities, including a majority from the UAE.

Watani was launched in 2005 to promote the UAE national identity and the practices of good citizenship within the UAE’s diverse and multicultural society.

It organises and implements various educational, entertainment, sports and media activities directed towards youth, women and children. The activities and campaigns organised by Watani are carried out by a number of volunteers and public interest advocates in the UAE.

"Our team of volunteers will play a vital role at Expo 2020 Dubai, welcoming millions of people from around the world. They will be the face of Expo 2020 Dubai, so we are delighted to work with Watani Al Emarat as we seek the right people to lead the way," said Najeeb Al-Ali, Executive Director, Bureau Expo 2020 Dubai.

Through its overall theme, 'Connecting Minds, Creating the Future', Expo 2020 Dubai will be a platform to foster creativity, innovation and collaboration globally. It will be a celebration of ingenuity that gives a glimpse into the future, guided by its three pillars, opportunity, mobility and sustainability.

Taking place from 20th October 2020 to 10th April 2021, the Expo will be visited by millions of individuals, 70 percent of whom are expected to come from outside the UAE. These figures represent what will be the largest percentage of visitors from outside the host country in the 166-year history of World Expos.

Dherar Belhoul Al Falasi, Director-General of Watani Al Emarat, said, "The visit by Watani Al Emarat’s ‘Leaders of 2020’ ambassadors to the Expo 2020 site is part of our national responsibility to develop leaders with significant experience to contribute to important events in the UAE, including the Expo, which will depend on qualified youth to ensure their success and a progressive future for the UAE."