Abu Dhabi to ensure UFC can continue safely amid pandemic

Dubai - Saeed Al Saeed, Destination Marketing Director at DCT Abu Dhabi, said they were committed to delivering more top-notch events in the future

Despite earning widespread praise for the world-class arrangements at the UFC Fight Island, the Abu Dhabi organisers are refusing to rest on their laurels.
The resounding success of the first three events of the UFC Fight Island in the midst of a pandemic has now inspired the local authorities to stage more high-profile events in the future.
Dana White, the UFC president, has been so impressed with the local organisers' outstanding work that he has backed Abu Dhabi to become the 'fight capital of the world'.
And Saeed Al Saeed, Destination Marketing Director at DCT Abu Dhabi, said they were committed to delivering more top-notch events in the future.
"We are committed to our agreement with UFC and will support Dana and his team where possible to ensure the sport can continue safely during Covid-19. We believe we've achieved that with our dedicated UFC Fight Island 'safe zone' on Yas Island, which aims to deliver a safe event for all and protect the wider Abu Dhabi community," said Al Saeed, referring to the 11-km 'safe zone' created for the UFC event.
"Our mission is to learn from this event, so that we may start the journey of welcoming back international tourists and hosting events with spectators. Dana says Abu Dhabi might become the fight capital of the world, and I would love nothing more than to welcome fans of UFC to Abu Dhabi shores soon, when it's safe to do so. Until then, we continue to test, learn and share our knowledge with the sporting world."
The organisers have put all the strict health protocols in place for the event, conducting more than 12,000 Covid-19 tests as the UFC personnel and event stuff undergo tests every 72 hours in the 'safe zone'.
And Abu Dhabi is set to witness more UFC events after the final round of the Fight Island (July 26).
"We're here to stay," White announced recently.
"As far as trying to find another venue outside of the United States, it isn't happening. Why would I go anywhere other than Abu Dhabi? Abu Dhabi could end up becoming the fight capital of the world. it's definitely not Las Vegas right now."
rituraj@khaleejtimes.com