AusLeisure

Abu Dhabi’s successful delivery of UFC Fight Island has highlighted the Emirate’s ability hold safe large-scale events.

UFC Fight Island featured the creation of a ‘safe zone’ for approximately 2,500 people over five weeks on Yas Island, which was locked off and completely secluded from the rest of the Emirate for the five-week period.

In line with the principles of the ‘Go Safe’ certification program, the health and safety procedures undertaken by event staff were extensive and included COVID-19 testing every 72 hours and 14-day isolation periods.These strict measures helped achieve a COVID-free sanctuary, with the added benefits of world-class hospitality, including luxury hotels and entertainment facilities, all within the ‘protected bubble’.

The ‘safe zone’ included Yas Marina Circuit, home of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Links Golf Course, Yas Beach, and the Flash Forum - the multi-purpose indoor venue where the UC bouts were staged.

The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) now plans to evolve this concept for the return of tourism and other events in the coming months, including the scheduled annual Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, on the weekend of 11th to 13th December, which will take place within the current ‘safe zone’ perimeter.

Explaining the concept, Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, Executive Director of Tourism And Marketing at DCT Abu Dhabi, advised “we are extremely proud of the DCT Abu Dhabi-led ‘safe zone’ concept, which enabled us to deliver a comfortable and COVID-19-free bubble for five weeks, cementing Abu Dhabi’s position as a safe global destination offering diverse experiences.

“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.”

Images: The Yas Marina Circuit (top) and the Flash Forum hosting UFC Fight Island (below).

Related Articles

26th August 2020 - United Nations Secretary-General highlights the scale of world tourism’s crisis

25th August 2020 - Formula 1 adds Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Turkey to 2020 race calendar

21st August 2020 - Asian attractions and theme parks events look to bounce back in 2021

6th August 2020 - World Health Organization says large crowds for sporting events are unrealistic this year

4th August 2020 - Dubai Government allows concerts and events to run under strict health and safety guidelines

28th July 2020 - ‘Dry’ attractions on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island set to reopen

24th July 2020 - UFC’s Abu Dhabi Fight Nights ‘absolutely a win’

11th July 2020 - UFC ready to launch ‘Fight Island’ project on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island

15th June 2020 - UFC’s ‘fight island’ concept to be staged in Abu Dhabi

21st May 2020 - Abu Dhabi Government launches safe and clean certification program

1st May 2020 - Coronavirus has multi-billion dollar negative impact on global sport

9th April 2020 - UFC President advises of plans to use island to host international MMA fights

17th February 2020 - Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena to open in April

5th February 2020 - Ferrari World Abu Dhabi to launch new experiences and family zone

10th January 2020 - Etihad Airways takes on naming rights for new Abu Dhabi entertainment venue

---

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.