'Safe zone' model paves the way for more global events to reopen

Abu Dhabi's Yas Island will host another edition of UFC Fight Island, following the success of a pioneering ‘bubble’ concept at the inaugural UFC Fight Island in July, which welcomed 2,500 people. 

A collaboration between the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi and UFC, 'Return to UFC Fight Island', started on 26 September and will run until 24 October. Yas Island incorporates an arena, hotels, training facilities, as well as entertainment and dining establishments.

As part of stringent health and safety protocols, the UFC Fight Island Safe Zone is accessible only to UFC athletes and their coaches, UFC staff, event personnel and essential employees necessary to ensure the operational continuity of all Yas Island facilities. Entry to the safe zone requires a mandatory period of quarantine and negative Covid-19 test, and everybody inside will be tested regularly.

“UFC Fight Island proved to be a tremendous success and its rapid return is testament to the strength of our partnership with UFC, and the global confidence in Abu Dhabi's ability and preparedness to host major international events with the highest standards of health and safety,” said Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi.

“The Return to UFC Fight Island concept underlines both Abu Dhabi’s commitment to global sporting and tourism events as well as the collaborative approach taken by various government departments to ensure the emirate is ready to safely welcome back visitors, business and more major international events across multiple sectors.”

Dana White, the UFC president, added, “ While the rest of the world shut down, we worked with our partners in Abu Dhabi to put on the best live sporting experience, and we did it safely and responsibly. The infrastructure they have in place, from the arena, to the hotels, to the restaurants, is second to none."