“ Proving that the bureau ’ s hard work is clearly paying dividends , Abu Dhabi was named the ‘ Middle East ’ s Leading Business Destination ’ at the 2019 World Travel Awards .”
essentially paused on a global scale .
Yet , in spite of the unfavourable circumstances , ADCEB rose to the challenge , pivoting its operations accordingly in order to reopen the emirate to international travellers and develop programmes and guidelines in response to the ever-evolving requirements of the MICE sector , in the safest way possible .
ADCEB developed the ‘ Go Safe Certification ’, which lays out clear guidance on the safe running of events .
Case study
The bi-annual International Defence Exhibition and Conference ( IDEX ) and the Naval Defence Exhibition ( NAVDEX ) are flagship events for the Abu Dhabi National
Exhibitions Company ( ADNEC ) and took place in February 2021 . Organised by ADNEC subsidiary , Capital Events , and hosted at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre , the shows are of vital importance to the industries they serve as well as to the local economy .
Held under the patronage of the President of the UAE , His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan , IDEX and NAVDEX are organised in collaboration with the the Ministry of Defence and the General Command of the UAE Armed Forces .
IDEX and NAVDEX organisers were determined that the 2021 edition would go ahead as an in-person event . Partner and exhibitor feedback had been enthusiastic about a return to in-person events .
The challenge was to make ADNEC ’ s first international event to be launched in the Covid-19 recovery phase a truly landmark event , with the safety of all visitors and stakeholders a core priority .
With global travel restrictions in mind , ADNEC applied to the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre to obtain a quarantine exemption for international exhibitors and visitors to the show and were granted this exemption in October 2020 – before Abu Dhabi ’ s borders re-opened to international visitors .
All visitors and participants will be required to have a negative polymerase chain reaction ( PCR ) Covid-19 test . In addition , social distancing measures and the wearing of PPE is being mandated across facilities .
NAVDEX expected several naval vessels from countries around the world to be on display at the ADNEC Marina during the exhibition , as well as the launching of new naval vessels .
The conference was held as a hybrid event for the first time , both at the ADNEC Business Center and online , with artificial intelligence and advanced technology high on the agenda .
The event organising effort is overseen by the ‘ Higher Organising Committee ’ which had representatives from the relevant entities ( such as media and official delegation protocol ). Their aim was to ensure also that exhibitors met the right buyers .
This year ’ s edition also has a new medical committee to manage and implement all Covid protocols and guidelines . The stringent guidelines have been issued in line with international and UAE governmental standards and govern aspects as diverse as food safety , stand build and car parking . ADNEC had developed approved safety guidelines in line with best industry practice .
For the first time , IDEX issued print at home badges which could be presented at either Abu Dhabi , Dubai or Sharjah airports for entry into the emirate without the need to quarantine . The airports arranged clearly branded designated IDEX queues at immigration . Participants had to take a PCR Test again on Day 6 of being in Abu Dhabi .
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