Emirati university students now have the valuable opportunity to learn from hugely experienced professionals from around the world thanks to Expo 2020 Dubai’s newly launched Internship Programme for undergraduates and recent graduates.

Hundreds of young Emiratis will be immersed in preparations for the Arab world’s largest ever event, making meaningful contributions to Expo 2020 while gaining invaluable experience and professional development opportunities.

Many Expo 2020 team members have helped to deliver previous large-scale international events, including World Expos, the Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup™. Under the mentorship of these employees, interns will have the chance to develop a variety of skills, from learning how to make 3D-printed structures to producing memorable photographs of the Expo site.

Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General, Dubai Expo 2020 Bureau, said: “Expo 2020 Dubai’s Internship Programme presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Emirati youth to tap into the minds of some of the world’s most talented professionals, and gain exposure to careers of the future.

“Expo 2020’s commitment to youth is in line with the UAE’s vision and initiatives to empower and inspire young people. Youth are critical to everything we do at Expo 2020, and our Internship Programme is an opportunity to make a significant contribution to the development of our nation’s future leaders.”

Expo 2020 Dubai recently ran a successful pilot scheme for undergraduate interns. This initiative has now been expanded to a fully-fledged Internship Programme, which is open to both Emirati undergraduates and recent graduates with limited or no work experience.

Internships are available across multiple Expo departments, including Real Estate and Delivery, Human Resources, International Participants, Communications and the Expo School Programme.

Fatima Alloghani, Head of Expo Academy and Emiratisation – Human Resources, Workforce and Volunteers at Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “We encourage all eligible undergraduates and fresh graduates to apply for Expo 2020 Dubai’s Internship Programme and take advantage of this truly unique opportunity for professional and personal development. We are giving Emirati youth a chance to make a meaningful contribution to, and be part of, what is set to be a regionally historic event.”

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed and, if successful, placed in a position relevant to their field of study. Internships for recent graduates run for up to three months, while the duration of undergraduate placements is based on the requirements of students’ universities.

Upon completion of each internship, the participant will complete an assessment and receive a performance-based letter of recommendation.

Abdalla BinKherbash, a student at American University in Dubai (AUD) who interned as an engineer within Expo’s Real Estate and Delivery team, said: “My experience at Expo 2020 Dubai has been extremely valuable. I was quickly integrated into the team and assigned responsibilities that not only challenged me but also significantly boosted my learning and development. I was impressed by how immersive my internship was.”

University students and graduates are already playing an essential role in the Expo 2020 Volunteers programme, which is open to all UAE nationals and residents over the age of 18. As the face of Expo, more than 30,000 volunteers will help to welcome the world to the UAE in 2020.

Expo 2020 expects to attract 25 million visits between October 2020 and April 2021, with 70 per cent of visitors projected to come from outside the UAE.

A celebration of human ingenuity, Expo 2020’s theme, ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, is underpinned by its three subthemes of Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability.

With more than 200 participants including nations, multilateral organisations, businesses and educational institutions, Expo 2020 Dubai will be one of the most inclusive World Expos in history.s

University students and recent graduates interested in interning at the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region’s first ever World Expo can apply through Expo 2020 Dubai’s careers portal: careers.expo2020dubai.com/en/uae/jobs/internship-program-uae-nationals-3809907/