UPFRONT
VFS Global launches PCR and antibody testing in UAE VFS GLOBAL
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has launched a COVID-19 PCR and antibody testing service in the UAE to ensure anyone travelling overseas can meet the health requirements of the destinations they are visiting. With some countries already making a negative COVID-19 test result a mandatory requirement on arrival, the visa outsourcing and technology services specialist is offering a pre-departure testing service in partnership with UAE Ministry of Health-approved and -certified testing laboratories. Anyone in the UAE can access the service, which can be booked online or via a dedicated call centre, with tests conducted by trained medical professionals and results sent from the laboratory to the registered email address of the individual within 24 hours, ensuring confidentiality. Customers can have their test sample collected at the partnered certified laboratory in Ajman, Dubai or Sharjah, or at a location of choice within the UAE using the ‘At Your Doorstep’ service. An exclusive fast-track service and a dedicated help desk is provided for VFS Global customers to reduce the waiting time. The COVID-19 Diagnostic PCR and antibody testing service is not limited to travellers. It can be accessed by anyone presenting COVID-19 symptoms or by those who are asymptomatic but would like to get tested. VFS Global is now looking to roll out the service in countries including Saudi Arabia, China, Egypt and India. SEPTEMBER 2020
LIVE EVENTS MAKE DUBAI COMEBACK THE GOVERNMENT OF DUBAI has released a directive allowing live indoor and outdoor meetings and events to resume in the city. Concerts, conferences, exhibitions, seminars, training sessions, banquets, product launches, weddings and more are now permitted to take place, but venues must implement strict health and safety measures, including sanitisation, thermal screening and capacity limits. At seated events participants must adhere to a minimum of two metres social distancing, with two seats to be kept vacant between each group or between solo guests, including in VIP areas. Standing events have the same guidelines, but there must be markings on the floor to show individual and group spaces. Online ticket purchases are strongly advised but if event-goers need to visit the box office, floor markers must be in place to ensure social distancing in the queue Venues must also organise a staggered entry for ticket holders while post-event, guests should exit row-by-row via marked walkways. Guests and staff are required to wear masks at all times and performers are permitted to
remove their mask provided they remain at least four metres away from the audience. Physical interaction between performers and participants is strictly prohibited. In addition, all venues must be sanitised every 30 minutes for events of more than 25 people and every hour for events of under 25 people, as well as at the end of each day and at the end of the event. Pre-packaged food with disposable cutlery is allowed, while buffets must adhere to social distancing measures, including in queues, and self-service is not permitted. See page 18 for a MICE industry update.
SHARJAH POISED FOR TOURISM PROJECT BOOM
SHARJAH INVESTMENT AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (SHUROOQ) is set to unveil four significant tourism and hospitality projects, its Executive Chairman, His Excellency Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, has revealed. The large-scale developments will include a 66-key hotel on Khorfakkan Beach featuring Sharjah’s first waterpark; a hotel and retail precinct next to Kalba Waterfront; a 60-room retreat in the new Seih Al Bardi Kabeer safari park, Al Dhaid, home to more than 50,000 African animal species; and The Moon Retreat in Mleiha, a boutique property with a focus on archaeology and eco-tourism.
