Dubai: Anxiety over the spread of the coronavirus has already disrupted nurseries, travel, and some trade events in the UAE.
A World Health Organization official said Friday, “We are on the highest level of alert or highest level of risk assessment in terms of spread and in terms of impact …. Wake up. Get ready. This virus may be on its way and you need to be ready.”
Find out which ones are still on.
What’s been postponed so far?
Ultra Abu Dhabi 2020
The event, which was set to take place on March 5 and 6 has been postponed to a later date. Organisers issued a statement on Monday night.
Their Statement:
“In line with our commitment to deliver the ultimate Ultra experience to our festival goers and as part of the local and international measures taken to ensure the health and safety of the public, Ultra Abu Dhabi 2020 will be postponed. The decision has been taken due to the travel restrictions imposed by some countries and airlines for individuals and groups. We look forward to sharing the new dates in the near future.”
Dubai Lynx
The event, which was set to take place on March 8 to 11. Dubai Lynx is an event that brings together top creatives, international brands to learn, network and celebrate creativity in communications.
Their Statement:
“In light of recent developments in respect to COVID-19 we have taken the difficult decision to postpone the Dubai Lynx Festival. As a festival, our priority is absolutely the safety of our attendees, delegates and team. We are going to reschedule the festival to 6-9 September 2020.
Dubai International Boat Show
The year’s most prestigious marine events, which was meant to take place on March 10 to March 14, has been postponed to November 24-28.
Their Statement:
In light of the evolving global developments around the COVID-19 virus, Dubai World Trade Centre has been closely monitoring the situation. Whilst the UAE remains completely safe for travel, and has deployed the strictest medical and hygiene protocols, we fully recognise that for some specific shows, we have a high majority of key participants significant to the event’s programme that are unable to travel due to restrictions in their home country. Bearing this context, the Dubai International Boat Show, one of the world’s most influential gatherings for the global yachting community, is being postponed from 10-14 March to 24-28 November 2020 and will be located at its new home – Dubai Harbour, the region’s largest luxury marina and most advanced cruise terminal.
DJ Mag Conference
DJ Mag Conference was supposed to take place on March 3 to 4. They had to cancel their event, mainly because the event location, The W Hotel Yas Island was placed under quarantine and temporary lockdown, when two staff members were tested positive for the coronavirus.
Their Statement:
Following the decision by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi to place the W hotel – Yas Island on temporary lockdown, we regret to inform you that the DJMag Conference due to take place on Tuesday 3rd and Wednesday 4th March 2020 will be cancelled. We will contact all ticket holders for refunds. If you have any queries, please email us.”
International Triathlon Union Abu Dhabi 2020
The International Triathlon Union was due to take place from March 5 to March 7 on Yas Island, in Abu Dhabi, where some cases were reported in the last few days. However the event was postponed.
Their Statement:
“The International Triathlon Union, in consultation with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, has taken the decision to postpone the 2020 ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Paratriathlon World Cup and Abu Dhabi Mixed Relay event as a precautionary measure to reduce the spread of 2019-nCoV Coronavirus.
ITU, the local organizing committee and Abu Dhabi Sports Council are looking at possible dates for relocating the event later on in March or April.
Creative Reader Competition:
The Cultural event, which was meant to take place on March 3, 2020 has been postponed indefinitely.
Big Ticket Draw
The Big Ticket draw held every third day of a month in Abu Dhabi will be closed to public viewing — but will still be held as a live streaming event on Tuesday, March 3. This is a precautionary measure, organisers said amid coronavirus fears.
Dubai Chess Open 2020
The Dubai Open 2020 chess tournament has been postponed indefinitely.
Their Statement:
“we regret to inform you that we have cancelled Dubai Open 2020 because of the global concern regarding the coronavirus outbreak, travel concern and other circumstances, makes it impossible for us to hold the event. Our sympathies at this time are with those affected all around the world.”
Taste of Dubai
One of the city’s favourite food, drink and music festival, has been postponed. It was meant to be held from March 12 to 14, 2020. The three day food event has been moved to December.
Their Statement:
“Due to the continued global developments regarding the COVID-19 (coronavirus) and following precautionary measures being implemented by the UAE government, this year’s Taste of Dubai 2020 at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre has been postponed from March 12-14, and will be extended for an additional day and take place December 9–12, 2020. This decision was made after much consideration and consultation with our key partners and clients, and with the health and safety of our attendees, exhibitors and staff as our top priority,” the statement continues, adding: “We believe this postponement is in the best interest of all participants to ensure we most effectively meet the needs of our clients, and thousands of local and international people of all ages who attend the largest food, music and entertainment event in the city.”
Events still on:
This list will be updated as and when we receive news of postponement or cancellation.
AGRA Middle East Exhibition 2020, Dubai World Trade Centre from 03-05 March 2020
Kicked off.
Middle East Energy Exhibition 2020, Dubai World Trade Centre from 03-05 March 2020
Kicked off.
Expo Culinaire, Sharjah Expo Centre, 03-05 March 2020
Kicked off.
Katherine Jenkins live, Dubai Opera, 04 March 2020
So far still on.
WAN-IFRA Middle East Conference 2020, Dubai Knowledge Park, 04 March 2020
So far still on.
Middle East Film & Comic Con, Dubai World Trade Centre, 05-07 March 2020
So far still on.
Acres Real Estate Investment Exhibition, Sharjah Expo Centre, 05-07 March 2020
So far still on.
Dubai World Cup Carnival, Meydan Racecourse, 07 March 2020
Definitely on
So far still on or Definitely on the following:
Global Forum in Innovations in Agriculture, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, 09-10 March 2020
VIV MEA 2020, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, 09-11 March 2020
Middle East Coatings Show 2020, Dubai World Trade Centre, 09-11 March 2020
Paperworld Middle East & Playworld Middle East 2020, Dubai World Trade Centre, 09-11 March 2020
Leatherworld Middle East 2020 Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre 09-11 March 2020
Dubai Coffee Festival, Dubai World Trade Centre, 12-14 March 2020
Dubai International Horse Fair, Dubai World Trade Centre, 12-14 March 2020
Dubai International Wood & Wood Machinery Show 2020, Dubai World Trade Centre, 16-18 March 2020
Arab Lab Exhibition 2020, Dubai World Trade Centre, 16-18 March 2020
Global Aerospace Summit 2020, St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, 17-19 March 2020
International Exhibition of National Security & Resilience, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, 17-19 March 2020
Emirates Haematology Congress 2020, InterContinental Dubai, Festival City, 19-21 March 2020
Annual Investment Meeting 2020, Dubai World Trade Centre, 24-26 March 2020
Dubai International Property Show, Dubai World Trade Centre, 24-26 March 2020
Art Dubai 2020, Madinat Jumeirah, 25-28 March, 2020
Watch & Jewellery Middle East Show, Sharjah Expo Centre, 25-29 March 2020
Gulf Tents Expo 2020, Sharjah Expo Centre, 30 March to 01 April 2020
Cabsat Middle East, Dubai World Trade Centre, 31 March to 02 April 2020
– gulfnews.com