Intensifying the efforts to ensure public safety and security in the emirate amid the ongoing pandemic, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) recently announced its Go Safe certification initiative. It aims to standardise and strengthen the levels of hygiene and cleanliness across tourism and retail establishments in the emirate.

Since the launch of this initiative in June, 146 hotels in Abu Dhabi, including Emirates Palace and the St Regis Abu Dhabi, have received a "Go Safe" certification meaning they are designated as safe places to stay.

Louvre Abu Dhabi was among the first venues to receive the certification, along with key tourism sites such as Qasr Al Hosn and Cultural Foundation which gained the certification that stresses on health and safety of the public.

With more number of hotels and venues receiving the certification in the efforts against the COVID-19 crisis, it shows the enhanced preparedness of Abu Dhabi authorities to welcoming guests and visitors once again after weeks of lockdown.

These tourism establishments have been assessed against 313 checkpoints that ensure that the standard of safety measures are strictly implemented. Among these safety measures include ensuring social distancing norms, checkpoints for temperature screenings, regular sterilization of all operational areas, and testing all employees for COVID-19.

Responding to the development, Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, Executive Director of Tourism and Marketing at DCT Abu Dhabi, said that Go Safe has become a successful benchmark for hygiene and safety levels in Abu Dhabi in just a short period of time, adding that the initiative has set world-class standards in cleanliness and improving public health.

"It is inspiring to witness the collective effort put forth by our team and industry partners to effectively implement the guidelines of the programme. 'Go Safe' was created with our consumers’ concerns in mind, to help boost their trust and confidence and allow them to experience the best of Abu Dhabi all whilst feeling safe and reassured," Al Shaiba added.

As of now, other establishments are also undergoing the assessment process for certification in a bid to fulfil DCT Abu Dhabi's aim to achieve Go Safe-certification for the entire UAE capital by the end of August 2020.

WAM