Abu Dhabi’s department of culture and tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi) is planning to launch a ‘safe zone’ concept for events following its implementation with a recent sporting project.
Yas Island, just off the coast of Abu Dhabi, hosted 2 500 people for a UFC boxing event that lasted five weeks in an attempt to test the safe zone concept for future events.
‘UFC Fight Island’ occupied an 11km stretch of the island, which was the designated safe zone, for five weeks. It was locked off and completely secluded while UFC personnel, event staff and Yas Island employees were housed in line with health and safety procedures that included COVID-19 testing every 72hrs and 14-day isolation periods
These and other strict measures helped achieve a COVID-free sanctuary which had a number of entertainment facilities available including a circuit, golf course, beach, performance arena and multi-purpose venues.
DCT Abu Dhabi now plans to evolve this concept for the return of tourism and other events in the coming months. This includes the scheduled annual Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the end of 2020, which will take place within the current ‘safe zone’ perimeter.
