Concerts, conferences, and events have all been cancelled over the UAE due to Coronavirus fears.
According to the latest figures, there are at least 1,641 cases reported in the region, most of them in Iran where 66 people have already lost their lives to the coronavirus.
In Dubai, the latest casualty is Art Dubai, which was scheduled for March 25-28. The popular regional and international art fair has postponed its 14th edition in consideration of the on-going global health implications of the Coronavirus and having consulted with partners and stakeholders, says the statement released by the event organisers. They have announced plans for new Dubai-focused programme in its place.
Other events cancelled include:
Ultra Music Festival (March 5-6)
The electronic music festival was to be held at Abu Dhabi’s 25,000-capacity Du arena and was to host performers such as Major Lazer and DJ Afrojack. The organisers have cited travel restrictions imposed by some countries and airlines due to the virus as the reason for the cancellation.
K-pop Concert Music Bank (March 21)
The Music Bank concert, to be held at Dubai’s Coca Cola Arena, would have seen as many as 17,000 (full capacity) audience members had it not been for Coronavirus putting a stop to the K-pop extravaganza. According to South Korea’s national broadcaster KBS and crowdfunding platform Makestar, organisers of the concert, the event was cancelled because of the virus spreading in South Korea and elsewhere.
Dubai International Boat Show (March 10 onwards)
The Dubai International Boat Show has been one of the major luxury superyacht events in the region and was meant to begin on March 10. The five-day event, which was to be held at the new Dubai Harbour, has now been postponed to later in the year (November)
Taste of Dubai (March 12-14)
The annual event will now take place in December (9-12) instead of March 12-14 as was scheduled. According to a statement released recently, the event was being postponed “due to the continued global developments regarding the COVID-19 (coronavirus) and following precautionary measures being implemented by the UAE government, this year’s Taste of Dubai 2020 at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre has been postponed from March 12-14, and will be extended for an additional day and take place December 9–12, 2020.”
Ultra Abu Dhabi 2020 (March 5-6)
Ultra Abu Dhabi has now been postponed to a later date. The event was originally scheduled to take place this weekend. A statement issued by the organisers on Monday said, “In line with our commitment to deliver the ultimate Ultra experience to our festival goers and as part of the local and international measures taken to ensure the health and safety of the public, Ultra Abu Dhabi 2020 will be postponed. The decision has been taken due to the travel restrictions imposed by some countries and airlines for individuals and groups. We look forward to sharing the new dates in the near future.”
