In a sign that Abu Dhabi authorities value the role of exhibitions to drive the economy post-pandemic and that they are confident in measures taken by the industry to keep stakeholders safe and secure, all delegate badge holders attending the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX 2021) and the Naval Defence Exhibition (NAVDEX 2021) at ADNEC at the end of February are to be exempted from the 10-day quarantine procedure in place for most arrivals to the Emirate. The Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), the organiser of the tradeshows, which take place at the ADNEC venue 21-25 February, has announced they have received approval from the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre for the ground-breaking initiative.
International visitors to the shows must simply print out their event badge at any border, to be exempted from the quarantine, and they will not be required to wear tracking wristbands, necessary for other visitors arriving in the emirate who are not on a list of ‘green’ countries . A full update of the detailed new protocols to facilitate the entry of delegations and support for their participation is to be published on a later stage, the organisers said.
Matar Saeed Al Nuaimi, director general of the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, said: “Through our decision to exempt participants of the IDEX and NAVDEX 2021 exhibitions from the quarantine period, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi is keen to promote business activity in the emirate. We worked closely with ADNEC as a strategic partner throughout the pandemic on a number of initiatives that ensured the health of the community. Accordingly, we are confident of their ability to implement rigorous precautionary measures including the necessary PCR tests that ensure the health and safety of visitors and exhibitors attending this event.
“Participants exempt from quarantine procedures still must observe the strict guidelines in place before entering the emirate of Abu Dhabi. In doing so, they will ensure the implementation of preventative measures, safeguarding the highest standards of health and safety for all residents,” Al Nuaimi concluded.
Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, managing director and Group CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company, commented: “This exemption demonstrates how IDEX and NAVDEX are leading the recovery of business activity following the Covid-19 pandemic. Additionally, it will showcase how Abu Dhabi continues to lead as a regional capital for the business tourism sector. We maintain our support to welcome the world, once again, in spite of the ongoing global conditions caused by the pandemic.”
Al Dhaheri added: “This stride demonstrates the UAE’s and ADNEC’s robust range of flexible infrastructure and operational capabilities, capable of safely organising a global mega-event. Since the beginning of the pandemic, stringent precautionary and safety measures have been our foremost priority.
“This exemption has been enabled by the continued co-operation and support from our strategic partners and stakeholders. Such support has allowed us to continue to strengthen the position of this event, building on its success and continuing to attract a wider range of visitors and exhibitors. In attracting such a high calibre of international companies, IDEX and NAVDEX will continue to showcase the latest developments in the defence sector.”
All those attending the two shows and the associated International Defence Conference will be required to follow social distancing measures and the wearing of face masks is mandatory across the exhibition facilities.
For more information, visit: http://www.adnecgroup.ae
