Health and Safety career prospects for Dubai Expo 2020

Shortly before the country celebrated its 42nd founding anniversary last December 1-2, people all over UAE, most especially here Dubai were ecstatic when it was finally announced and confirmed that the World Expo 2020 will be hosted by the country. With so much preparation and awareness campaigns initiated by the Government, and Dubai being the financial and economic hub in this part of the world - there was no doubt that Dubai is a worthy host of one if not the biggest expo in the world that we can expect.

What is world expo?

It is actually like a trade exhibition that originated in France. However, the best known ‘first’ World Expo was held in London in 1851 and it was considered as the first international exhibition of manufactured products.
From then on, the host countries used the world exposition as a platform to improve their national image. It is also a fact that this will boost tourism as well as positive economic impact. There will product innovations and showcase of technological advancements. It also facilitates cultural exchange - and for the host city, region or country – it is used as a vehicle for ‘nation branding’.

Where does ‘Safety’ come in the picture?

Just like in the early 2000 and before the economic recession in 2008, it is expected that massive projects and economic activities are coming to UAE in general and Dubai in particular. In fact, as early as this year, the Ruler of Dubai has announced and approved a number of ‘multi-billion’ infrastructure projects to rise in Dubai. Projects like the Dubai Frame (see below), Dubai Eye, etc. are now on its early project implementation phase.

This also means that a lot of manpower resources will be needed during the construction and operation stage, and in parallel more ‘safety professionals’ are also needed. Why? Because hiring Safety Professionals in every construction projects or during it operation is a minimum requirement by the government.

The Next Big Question

If there’s a need for more Safety Professionals, where do you see yourself as far your safety profession and your career is concerned? Are you ready for such great opportunities? Are you prepared to compete with other nationalities? Or do you have the necessary qualifications and competence to be hired as a Safety Professional?

I would say it’s not yet too late – in fact, this is the right time for all those who are aspiring to become Safety Professionals to chart their career in Health and Safety by attending or getting additional qualifications (e.g. NEBOSH, OSHA, OHSAS Auditor, etc). Networking with similar professions is also ideal but most of all, you have to decide first and put your heart and mind to improve yourself and become a competent safety professional.

Remember, it’s not a one sided game – if you prepare or have started now, other nationalities are also there to compete with you and some even have prepared way ahead of you. In the end, just like in expo – you need to ‘brand yourself’ and be the best of what you can be.

At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter even when you’re not in the safety profession, or whether you are the architect, the engineer, or the skilled worker – what matters is, you will have a job that can sustain you and your family back home.

Be prepared, be ready – for the World Expo 2020.