TravTalk India Online Magazine
An initiative spearheaded by Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the Go Safe certification programme is continuing to be rolled out across the emirate as DCT Abu Dhabi works towards its target of standardising health and safety measures across all retail, tourism and commercial establishments in Abu Dhabi.
The initiative has brought together the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), Aldar Properties, Modon Properties (Modon), Yas Theme Parks and attractions, as well as Etihad Airways in a joint partnership created to combat the spread of COVID-19 and keep the local economy moving by reassuring visitors and residents they are safe to visit any establishment because of the stringent safety protocols in place.
The partnership paves the way for the capital to become 100 per cent Go Safe-certified as further establishments, managed by participating partners, become part of the certification’s expanded implementation plan. Following clear and rigorous guidelines, the partners will now play a key role in ensuring their respective establishments complete all the checkpoints and implement measures required to attain the certificate.
Since its launch in June 2020, and in collaboration with key authorities, DCT Abu Dhabi has certified 95 per cent of hotels, as well as Yas Marina Circuit, four theme parks on Yas Island, 33 malls across the capital and two cinemas, after conducting rigorous on-site inspections.
The first step of the programme is guided self-assessments that establishments undergo as per guidelines and checklists provided by DCT Abu Dhabi, followed by thorough site inspections conducted by dedicated teams to ensure compliance to the highest standards of cleanliness. Those who meet the requirements are awarded the Go Safe certificate. With more establishments presently undergoing the assessment process, DCT Abu Dhabi aims to ensure the entire UAE capital is Go Safe-certified.
“DCT Abu Dhabi’s Go Safe campaign has underpinned Abu Dhabi’s efforts to safely reopen its attractions for domestic and international visitors. As we enter 2021, maintaining these high standards of safety and hygiene remains our top priority for protecting public health while empowering the economic contribution of our partners in the hospitality and entertainment sectors,” says HE Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, Executive Director of Tourism and Marketing, DCT Abu Dhabi. “With even more partners signed up to this rigorous certification programme, we look forward to implementing Go Safe effectively across the capital, to achieve our goal of a completely Go Safe destination,” he further says. Following stringent guidelines based on recommended practices from World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Go Safe ensures a safe environment for both residents and visitors. In addition to inspections, regular COVID-19 testing for staff across the tourism and retail sector has been made mandatory. The Go Safe certification initiative aligns with ADDED’s efforts to boost economic activities in the emirate despite the spread of COVID-19 by utilising key measures that ensure and raise the level of safety while conducting business and strengthening the confidence of customers and visitors in all commercial areas in Abu Dhabi.
