Dubai has become one of the latest regions to set forth its plans and protocols to allow events and exhibitions to safely and securely return in the shadow of COVID-19.

As has been widely reported, events and exhibitions around the world have been unable to open their doors and welcome attendees during 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the resulting health and safety implications. For print and packaging this has seen many postponed until 2021, or even 2022 in some cases, and a number of online seminars and conferences, plus virtual exhibitions concepts, fill the void.

The UK has already set out its roadmap for resuming exhibitions and events, as has Messe Dusseldorf, the organiser of drupa and interpack.

The government of Dubai has published its timetable for the resumption of business events in the emirate, allowing international MICE events to start again from 1 October, 2020. Already from mid-September, local MICE events will be allowed to take place, given that COVID-19 measures are in place. MICE events include exhibitions, exhibition events, conferences and association meetings.

The Dubai guidelines in full can be downloaded here, but key takeaways of note include:

  • Enhanced cleaning of assets, equipment and public areas must take place;
  • Online visitor pre-registration;
  • A minimum of 2m social distancing corresponding to one person per 4sqm gross;

For many, such restrictions and requirements for space on stands and in exhibition halls continue to call into question the viability of running events whilst social distancing continues to be needed to ensure health and safety.

UFI, a global association of the world’s trade show organisers and exhibition centre operators, as well as major national and international exhibition associations, has a status tracker of markets where events and exhibitions industries are reopening, from those open unconditionally and with restrictions, to those that are partially open and expected to open up soon, and  those that remain closed.

According to UFI, China, South Korea, Poland, the Netherlands and the UAE are amongst those with events and exhibition industries open for business, albeit with restrictions, with Germany and France expected to follow suit soon. Italy, Spain and the UK are amongst those expected to open but without an official confirmation on a date as yet, according to UFI.

Read the November/December issue of Digital Labels & Packaging for detailed analysis of the events and exhibitions landscape in 2021 and beyond; register here to receive the magazine for free