The Saudi Arabia pavilion for Expo 2020 Dubai has announced that it has signed a deal with Emirates Foundation to launch a high-level integrated programme to provide volunteering opportunities for Saudi youth based in the UAE.
Dr Fahad bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Yabis, commission general and project manager for the Saudi Arabia pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, said the MoU will help open new horizons for volunteer work in the region. The MoU was signed between Al Yabis and Ahmed Talib Al Shamsi, acting CEO of Emirates Foundation.
Emirates Foundation will work alongside Saudi Arabia’s team to provide opportunities for volunteers in several areas. Volunteering is an essential component of this strategy as it aims to highlight and hone their capabilities, enrich their practical skills, and unleash their creativity and energy in a way that enhances the Kingdom and its youth, stated Thurya Al Badran, the head of Visitor Services and Volunteering Programme at the Saudi Arabia pavilion.
“In line with Saudi Vision 2030, we are committed to promoting a culture of volunteerism. In this context, we are keen to encourage the participation of young Saudi volunteers in our pavilion by involving those living in the UAE,” remarked Dr Al Yabis.
He said that their alliance with the Emirates Foundation falls within the wider framework of cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the UAE across all spheres and sectors.
“Our co-operation with the Emirates Foundation will include the creation of a special digital platform for Saudi volunteers which will be linked to the Saudi Pavilion’s main online platform,” he added.
Meanwhile, commenting on the partnership, Al Shamsi said: “Emirates Foundation is honoured to be collaborating with the Saudi Arabia Pavilion at Expo 2020 and extending its support to engage, train and equip Saudi residents in the UAE to take on diverse volunteering roles at Expo 2020 and gain unrivalled hands-on experience, exposure and work-ready skills as they help to organize one of the world’s largest and most engaging events.”
“In line with the youth capacity building objective of the synergy, the volunteers will receive mentoring and guidance during their participation in Expo 2020 Dubai, and be evaluated following the completion of their assignments,” he added.