Dubai issues guidelines to restart exhibitions, live events and concerts

A new set of guidelines have been issued to organisers of live events, exhibitions, conferences and concerts in Dubai as part of plans to resume those activities.

A circular issued by the Dubai Government outlines the measures that all venues will have to take in order to host MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) events, exhibitions, conferences, award ceremonies and graduations and product launches.

The regulations also apply to sports events held at indoor venues as well as indoor and outdoor concerts and weddings. Nightclub events and city promotions have currently been excluded from the list.

Some of the key guidelines include:

* Visitors to pre-register online prior to visiting the show/event including relevant details required to allow for contact tracing

* Registration areas mainly to be used to scan pre-registered guests for entry and must ensure a minimum 2 metres distance for queuing with floor markers

* For venues with multiple events, screening and registration should only be done at main entrances

* Seating/capacity: Minimum 2 metre social distancing – corresponding to one person per 4sqm to be followed

* Sanitisation of the venue to be undertaken after every event and during regular time intervals (minimum 30 minutes for events with fewer than 25 people and 60 minutes for events hosting over 25 persons)

* Sterilisation of all assets, equipment and public areas at venue

* Mandatory provision of hand sanitiser dispensers across the facility

* All staff members to undergo temperature checks and wear masks at all times

* Organisers to ensure that all entertainers/performers/artists and crew are free of Covid-19 symptoms and ensure that all the necessary
precautions, measures and checks are in place prior to performance

* Masks can be removed by performers and speakers when on stage, if they can maintain at least 4 metre physical distancing measures

* Mandatory isolation zones should be provisioned to host suspected cases until transition to Dubai Health Authority for further checks wherever applicable

* Food and beverage: Pre-packaged food is allowed or buffet, provided that social distancing is ensured and no self-serve