Fashion designers in the UAE are being given an opportunity to create uniforms for more than 30,000 Expo 2020 Dubai volunteers and staff.

Worn every day of the six-month event, the men’s and women’s uniforms will reflect Expo’s theme, ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, while celebrating the UAE’s rich heritage. Competition designs must incorporate elements of UAE culture, and be practical, weather appropriate, easily identifiable but modest.

In alignment with one of Expo 2020’s three subthemes, Sustainability, designs using recycled or organic fabrics, zero waste concepts, or which take into account sustainable practices and innovations throughout the supply chain will be weighed more favourably.

Rita Penteado, Vice President – Human Resources, Workforce and Volunteers at Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “This competition is a valuable opportunity for designers in the UAE to showcase their talents to millions of people from across the globe. We are looking for a uniform that embodies the Emirati character and will represent the UAE on the world stage. It should also create a sense of pride and unity when worn by our volunteers and staff.

“The uniform will be one of the most visible elements of Expo 2020 and we are excited to be able to offer such an enormous platform for designers in the UAE.”

The uniform competition is being run with support from Dubai Design District (d3), Dubai Design and Fashion Council and Fashion Forward Dubai, all of which are playing an integral role in shaping the local and regional creative industries.

Entries will be judged by a committee consisting of senior members of the Expo 2020 Dubai team and supporting organisations.

Three finalists, selected by 30 September, 2018, will receive AED 50,000 and be asked to create samples of the full line, including top, bottom, outer jacket, hat, bag, tie, scarf, kandora and ghitra, abaya and shayla, and an Expo 2020 accessory.

The winning designs will be announced in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Rita Penteado said: “We have a distinct advantage in that the UAE community is diverse in background, experience and talent, and this is a chance for Expo 2020 to tap into this creative pool. We want to engage the brightest and most creative minds in the local fashion industry and inspire them to design something truly unique for thousands of volunteers and staff who will help welcome the world to Expo every day for six months.

“Not only do we want to provide unique experiences to millions of visitors during the event, but also to act as a springboard for local artists and businesses before, during and after Expo, helping to create an impactful legacy that will live on for generations.”

Expo 2020 runs between 20 October, 2020 and 10 April, 2021. About 70 per cent of the 25 million expected visits are predicted to come from outside the UAE – the highest proportion of overseas visitors in the 167-year history of World Expos.  It is anticipated to welcome 25 million visits during its six-month duration.

Expo 2020 will be the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region. It will be a festival of human ingenuity that gives a glimpse into the future, guided by the belief that innovation and progress are the result of people and ideas coming together in new and unique ways.