The team behind Expo 2020 Dubai has said it is closely monitoring the situation emerging from the spread of the new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, and resulting Covid-19 disease.

In a statement, the World Expo’s press office said the organisers were “working closely with the UAE’s Ministry of Health & Prevention to apply the guidance that they have provided”.

The statement added: “Expo does not open until October this year, and we will continue to follow the situation closely. We are hopeful that global efforts will succeed in managing the virus.”

Expo 2020 Dubai opens its doors on 20 October 2020 and runs until 10 April 2021.

Event cancellations

The UAE has seen some event cancellations as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of Covid-19.

The final two stages of the UAE Tour were cancelled on 28 February after two team members within the UAE Tour cycling event tested positive for SARS-Cov-2.

Two hotels on Yas Island were subsequently placed under temporary lockdown, according to the BBC.

The 2020 ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Paratriathlon World Cup and the Abu Dhabi Mixed Relay Event, which were due to take place at Yas Island on 5-7 March, have also been cancelled.

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However, the majority of events planned in the UAE for this month are going ahead as scheduled.

The Ultra Abu Dhabi music show on 5 and 6 March at Abu Dhabi’s Du Arena will proceed with safety measures provided by the health ministry.

The Middle East Film and Comic Con at Dubai World Trade Centre and the Dubai International Boat Show at Dubai Harbour, scheduled to be held on 5-7 March and 10-14 March respectively, were also going ahead at the time of writing.

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