The volunteers should be able to speak both Luxembourgish and English and be “motivated to work for free during one month”, according to the ministry statement. Volunteers would, for example, be responsible to welcome visitors to the pavilion which, despite the expo’s postponement due to covid-19, the economy ministry confirms will not exceed the €32m budget. 

The organisers will pick up volunteer expenses for flights, accomodation and meals. 

The Expo 2020 Dubai, originally scheduled to start in October 2020, was pushed back by one year with new dates currently set for 1 October 2021 through 31 March 2022. During a Thursday press conference it was also confirmed that the original economic interest group's partners and sponsors have reaffirmed their commitment to the project, despite the later dates. 

As for the pavilion itself, the 2,770m2 space is now 75% finished and should be complete by the start of 2021. The interior works are then set to commence by spring/summer 2021. The interior will include a ramp along which visitors can “experience” the grand duchy through scenography, created by Jangled Nerves; a “Schengen Lounge” featuring Luxembourg wines and fare, prepared by Kim Kevin de Dood and his team; a shop and more. 

Some 70% of materials used in the construction of the pavilion are expected to be reused or recycled after the pavilion is torn down.

The Expo 2020 Dubai with its “Connecting Minds, Building the Future” concept originally anticipated some 150,000 visitors a day, although it remains to be seen whether those numbers will hold up as the health crisis unfolds. Minister Fayot considers it will, nevertheless, be “a crucial venue at the end of the crisis for boosting trade and the global economy”.

For more information on volunteering or how the project is unfolding, visit the Luxembourg at Expo 2020 Dubai website.