Youth volunteers geared up for delegates

Having been segregated into task-forces for Airport, Hotel and Transportation and the DICC, these youngsters, around 1200, are of 57 different nationalities, and between them all, speak 43 languages.

Yasmine Musabbah, a student of Mass Communication and Media at Zayed University, is excited to be a part of such a gigantic event. She said, "We represent the human face of the UAE, and we present the culture and heritage of this place. Since I am a part of the Airport team, we will be among the first to interact with the delegates, and so we are getting trained on answering any question on the city, the country and the region. We are aware of the long and short term benefits of an event of this nature on the region, and we know we play a role in the success of this meeting."

A Qatari national, Khalid Al Muraikhi, is studying Public Relations in the Emirates University of Al Ain, and has been assigned to the Transportation team for the meetings. "I am delighted to be able to contribute so directly to this land of my birth and childhood. I am proud that my effort will be making a difference in changing international perceptions of the Arab world. This event ushers in a new era in the Arab regions, especially for our generations and the ones to follow. This is also a direct benefit to my course, as this is pure international PR, and the hands-on training during an event of these standards will be with me always."

Sheikha Al Shamsi is a student of the Higher Colleges of Technology, Fujairah. She is specialising in Office Technology, and she is a part of the Hotel team. "This is my first exposure to large events, outside my college activities. My family was very eager that I be a part of history through this event, and I too was eager to showcase the traditional hospitality and culture of this region. This is a great opportunity to show the civilised nature of this region. With global economy decision makers from 184 countries here, I am going to have the task of finalising accommodation for them. It is my duty to represent my country and I will do all I can to dispel all negative images of the UAE, the gulf and Islamic culture."

Ahmed Abdullah lives in Abu Dhabi and works in the Public Relations industry. He has taken time off to represent his country in this event, and is a part of the transportation team. "The practical and theoretical training that I will gain by being exposed to an event of this nature are definitely invaluable and they would also improve my skills and abilities. My PR skills are going to be put to the test during this time. Since the benefits of hosting this event will have a long lasting effect on this country and region, I will be sure to gain and contribute in the near future."

Noor Amir is a Marketing student at the Emirates University, and has made a big effort to come here from Abu Dhabi to play his part in the event. "The participation and encouragement of women to participate in these events shows the civil community that we live in, and serves as a superb introduction to the development of the country. Hosting this event itself is like reaping the fruits of our development, and we will take this opportunity to show the world that we are able to play a major role in the international arena."

Mohammed Jamal, an IT professional from Ajman, said, "I am proud to promote the UAE and Dubai as a regional and international hub for business, finance and the conventions industry. The information that we gained through the training programme has made us aware of the event and its importance. We will definitely be putting in much more effort now, as our actions and efficiency is going to directly reflect on our country."

Sheikha Hadeet, of Ajman, is a part of the Hotel team for the meetings, and is a student of the Emirates University. She said, "The training course has helped us considerably and we should have no problem guiding everyone to their accommodation. This is really a great experience. I look forward to providing great service and highlight the rich Arabian culture and hospitality to the delegates. Since it's the first time that this event is being held in this part of the world, the benefits will definitely extend to all countries of the region."

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.

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.