by Expo Events Consulting Expo Events Consulting

Offering event organisers a safe way to manage large-scale sports, entertainment and cultural events.

Inspired by the success of Abu Dhabi’s UFC Fight Island, The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced a new ‘safe zone’ framework for upcoming events.

The massive sporting extravaganza was held within an 11km ‘safe zone’ set up on Yas Island, which was locked off and completely secluded from the rest of Abu Dhabi for the five-week period and the ‘safe zone’ included Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Links Golf Course, Yas Beach, and the Flash Forum, where the fights were staged.

The new ‘safe zone’ concept offers event organisers a safe and structured way to manage large-scale sports, entertainment, and cultural events and DCT Abu Dhabi is now planning to evolve this concept for upcoming events, including the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix which is taking place from Friday December 11 to Sunday December 13.

“Our partnership with UFC Fight Island has allowed us to innovate in setting a new benchmark in creating experiences for the public despite the recent circumstances caused by the pandemic.

“The lessons we have learned from this event will be carried forward as we continue to create new engaging experiences in a post-COVID-19 world, but at the same time take lessons we can use in other areas of events and tourism,” said HE Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, executive director of Tourism and Marketing at DCT Abu Dhabi.

Also included in the ‘safe zone’ framework is the du Arena, the Etihad Arena which is set to be the region’s biggest event area and home to a number of big concerts and events, and Zayed Sports City.For your up-to-the-minute guide to what’s happening in Abu Dhabi, head here. For Dubai click here and for Sharjah.

-timeoutdubai.com