Dubai finds IPL a tremendous opportunity to pace touristic activities

With IPL being held in the UAE, Dubai is seeing tremendous traction on social media, being the first destination to be visited post lockdown with high safety and hygiene protocols,” says Priyanka Nijhawan, Director – Dubai Tourism India Representation Office.

The current edition of the Indian Premiere League (IPL) which is scheduled to be held in United Arab Emirates (UAE) has turned out to be an extraordinary event to pace, and reinstate international touristic activities in the UAE amid the constant fight to stop further spread of COVID-19 and minimizing the aftereffects of the pandemic.

The season will kick-start on 19th September in Abu Dhabi (Sheikh Zayed Stadium) with a blockbuster clash between defending champion Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. After the opening clash, Dubai (International Cricket Stadium) will host its first game on 20th September when Delhi Capitals will take on Kings XI Punjab followed by the third match on 21st between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore.

All set to exploit the opportunities offered by IPL – world’s famous Twenty20 format of Cricket, the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) – India Office is leaving no stone unturned while creating awareness about hosting the mega sporting event, and Dubai’s preparedness to receive tourist in a safe and hygiene atmosphere.

“With IPL being held in the UAE, Dubai is seeing tremendous traction on social media, being the first destination to be visited post lockdown with high safety and hygiene protocols,” says Priyanka Nijhawan, Director – Dubai Tourism India Representation Office.

While elaborating on the current status of COVID-19 pandemic and ‘New Normal’ adopted by DTCM Priyanka says that Dubai opened its international borders for tourists and visitors on July 7th, 2020 whilst continuing its commitment to assure the safety and well-being of all, implementing new, transparent and easy to follow travel guidelines.

The Emirate has regained its vibrant energy following the opening of tourist attractions, facilities and amenities including public and hotel, beaches, shopping malls, restaurants, swimming pools, water parks and golf courses. The city has also resumed popular water sports and camping activities.

“Dubai has launched a compliance programme to certify and recognize hotels, retail establishments, F&B outlets and attractions that have implemented all public health protocols for prevention and management of COVID-19, to ensure that Dubai is at its highest level of safety preparedness, as it continues to welcome its guests,” she added.

Dubai has received WTTC Safe Travels Stamp – an initiative of The World Travel & Tourism Council to encourage people to travel in a safe atmosphere.  Priyanka feels that the Safe Travel Stamp is an important step to re-establish the confidence of travellers, knowing that enhanced standards of hygiene are in place.

She believes that the safety stamp will go a long way in endorsing the safety protocols being followed and re-establish consumer confidence and ensure travellers about the enhanced standards of hygiene that tourism businesses in Dubai are following.

While taking all kinds of precautions to combat with the pandemic, DTCM has initiated various safety measures for the travellers as well. Highlighting the process, Priyanka says that a verification and validation process has been established in collaboration with the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Department of Economic Development and Dubai Municipality for issuing the ‘Dubai Assured’ stamp.

All hotels and retail establishments, F&B outlets and attractions that have complied with all health and safety guidelines issued by these three government entities in accordance with the preventive protocols issued by Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management get this stamp which is helpful in restoring the confidence of the travellers.

“The ‘Dubai Assured’ stamp is issued free of charge and has a validity of 15 days. It is renewed every two weeks upon verification by inspectors from respective authorities. The programme has already inspected 1000 establishments, which are now eligible for receiving the stamp,” she further informed.

Apart from that Dubai Tourism has prepared a guideline for the tour operators and travellers as well. Passengers entering or transiting from Dubai (DXB) must have a medical certificate with a negative COVID-19 PCR test result issued at least 96 hours before departure. However this does not apply to the children younger than 12 years and passengers with severe or moderate disabilities.