Expo 2020 Dubai launches design competition for volunteer uniforms

Expo 2020 Dubai has launched a new competition for fashion designers in the UAE to create uniforms for more than 30,000 volunteers and staff at the event.

The men’s and women’s uniforms will have to reflect Expo’s theme of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, while also reflecting the UAE’s heritage, a statement said.

Competition designs “must incorporate elements of UAE culture, and be practical, weather appropriate, easily identifiable but modest”, it added.

Preference will be given to designs that use recycled or organic fabrics, zero waste concepts, or which take into account sustainable practices.

The uniform will be worn every day during the six-month long Expo event, which runs from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021.

Read: Video: Expo 2020 Dubai site takes shape

The competition is being run with support from Dubai Design District (d3), Dubai Design and Fashion Council and Fashion Forward Dubai.

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

Three finalists, selected by September 30, 2018, will receive Dhs50,000 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, VP – 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.

“The uniform will be one of the most visible elements of Expo 2020.”

She added: “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.”

Expo 2020 will be the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region.

It is anticipated to welcome 25 million visits during its six-month duration.

About 70 per cent of the visitors are predicted to come from outside the UAE – the highest proportion of overseas visitors in the 167-year history of World Expos.