Coronavirus: Negative PCR test result needed for some Abu Dhabi events

Capacity for business events will be capped at 50 per cent, and 30 per cent for entertainment

Idex 2021 was held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from February 21 to February 25. Victor Besa / The National

Deals worth billions of dirhams were sealed at the event. Victor Besa / The National

It was the first major in-person exhibition held in the capital since the Covid-19 pandemic broke out. Victor Besa / The National

Social distancing was a must on day one of Idex. Victor Besa / The National

Up to 1,000 defence companies took part in the five-day event. Victor Besa / The National

Idex took place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. Victor Besa / The National

Idex 2021 ran from February 21 to February 25. Victor Besa / The National

Signs inside the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. Victor Besa / The National

Military vehicles on display at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. Victor Besa / The National

Attendees at Idex 2021. Victor Besa / The National

People attending business or entertainment events in Abu Dhabi will have to present a negative Covid-19 PCR test result received within the preceding 48 hours.

Event organisers and staff members will also have to undergo Covid-19 testing on a weekly basis, according to an updated circular issued by the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi.

Capacity for visitors attending business events will be capped at 50 per cent, the circular said, and 30 per cent for those attending entertainment events.

Visitors, exhibitors and delegates will have to fill out registration forms in advance, with contact numbers in case of emergencies.

Venue and organiser staff and contractors must install the Al Hosn application.

Abu Dhabi successfully hosted its first major in-person exhibition since the Covid-19 pandemic broke out last month, when the International Defence Exhibition (Idex) was held in the capital.

International attendees did not have to follow the mandatory 10-day quarantine in place in Abu Dhabi but all those attending had to take several PCR tests, including one every 48 hours to access the event. Daily tests for delegates, exhibitors and attendees were available in 19 hotels in the Adnec area.

Volunteers walked through the halls enforcing distancing. Hundreds of stickers dictated how people entered and exited while the use of disinfectants and masks was strictly enforced. Anyone who let a mask drop for even a few seconds was swiftly warned by staff.

Reduced capacity for entertainment complexes

On Saturday, Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee approved the reopening of cinemas at 30 per cent operating capacity. They were ordered to close a month earlier as a measure of curbing the spread of Covid-19.

Capacity in malls in the capital was reduced to 40 per cent in early February. Gyms are also limited to 50 per cent, while restaurants and coffee shops must admit no more than 60 per cent of their capacity