Dubai 2003 launches training programme for 1200 'meet & greet' staff for the Annual Meetings

The staff, half of whom are Emirati nationals, are now embarking on a detailed programme to help them become true ambassadors for their country when greeting representatives from the 184 nations who will participate in the event.

Dubai 2003 General Coordinator, Mr. Ibrahim Belselah and Rashid Al Noori, Head of the International Transport and Freight Committee, were present at the start of the training programme and the launch of special uniforms created for the staff.

Separate uniforms have been created for nationals and for international staff working at the event that reflect both the Arabic culture and heritage of the UAE and its modern, professional outlook in the 21st Century.

Mr. Belselah said: "I am tremendously proud of the calibre of people recruited to represent Dubai 2003 at the Annual Meetings. These enthusiastic and motivated young people are a credit to our country and hail from 57 countries and speak no less than 43 languages - reflecting the truly cosmopolitan and international nature of the UAE."

"We already have the technical and logistical side of preparations in place for the event. Now it is time to complete one of the most important elements of a successful Annual Meeting- putting the true human face on the event and showing the world how the UAE can successfully host an event of this magnitude and demonstrate traditional Arabic hospitality to the world."

Emirates Group and DNATA are responsible for the training programme for the staff. The first step is for everyone to undertake an initial three day course. This includes a general orientation about Dubai 2003 before the staff is given specialist training dependent on their role at either Dubai International Airport, hotels or at the Dubai International Convention Centre - the venue for the Annual Meetings.

After this initial three-day course the staff will then be given practical training on location in readiness for the Annual Meetings. Events surrounding the Annual Meetings will commence from 15 September onwards.

Rashid Al Noori added, "The hosts have been divided into four groups, ensuring the best for delegates. The four groups are assigned to the Airport, Hotels, Transportation and the Dubai International Convention Centre. We are sure that the hosts will play a vital role in showing the world our hospitality in Dubai."

The Annual Meetings of the Boards of Governors of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund were first held in Washington DC in 1946. They are hosted by an international city one year in three. The UAE and Dubai were selected because of their highly developed transportation and logistics infrastructure, growing importance as a financial hub and its established position as an oasis of opportunity.