Capital Hospitality, the catering division of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), has collaborated with the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (ADQCC) alongside the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) and implemented a mobile Microbiology Laboratory, which tested 317 meals during the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) and the Naval Defence Exhibition (NAVDEX) 2021.
The laboratory comes as part of ADNEC’s wider preventative and precautionary measures, which ensured the safety and wellbeing of participants at the five-day defence exhibitions. This is the first time globally that the mobile Microbiology Laboratory was used at an exhibition. It was able to provide fast and reliable food inspection services using the latest testing equipment, and provided attendees of IDEX and NAVDEX further reassurance of their safety and wellbeing while at the two exhibitions.
- Abdullah Hassan Al Muaini, Executive Director of the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (ADQCC), commented: “This mobile laboratory complements our wider activities in Abu Dhabi. The use of this facility comes in line with our wider strategic vision to ensure these events are in close collaboration with the regulatory authority. We aim to improve the quality of life, the safety, and the happiness of communities in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. The mobile laboratory does this through delivering a range of microbiological analyses and services, helping indicate the suitability of food and their perishable quality. Examination in the mobile laboratory is carried out by UAE Nationals who are technical personnel, specialised in the field of microbiological analysis, alongside use of the latest technology and devices.
“The use of the mobile laboratory at IDEX and NAVDEX 2021 comes as a result of ADQCC’s sustained and close cooperation with ADNEC and Capital Hospitality, alongside ADAFSA. This co-ordination safeguards the safety of the community and visitors to the IDEX exhibitions through ensuring the safety of food at the exhibition.”
Khalifa Al Qubaisi, Chief Commercial Officer at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company commented: “At the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company, our approach to the IDEX and NAVDEX exhibitions was focused on safety. The collaboration between ADQCC and Capital Hospitality was a key element in this, with the use of the mobile Microbiology Laboratory for the testing of all food during IDEX and NAVDEX. This has been an important factor in the sustained wellbeing of all attending, alongside complementing this approach with ensuring our adept and experienced staff were well-trained to ensure participants’ safety.
“The use of cutting-edge technological solutions has been a key cornerstone in our wider health and safety strategy, and this laboratory comes in line with that wider direction. We implemented rigorous testing policies across our facilities, as well as enforcing social distancing. We installed further devices to protect participants’ health and safety, including thermal imaging cameras, hand sanitisers, and more. Through making these investments, we enabled the global defence community to meet and do business safely in Abu Dhabi, supporting the resurgence of the business tourism sector and driving international business growth.”
In addition to the Mobile Laboratory, Capital Hospitality additionally implemented strict food safety measures throughout IDEX and NAVDEX, including hand sanitising stations, single-use plastic cutlery, plastic wrapped food, and socially distanced seating. ADNEC applied the highest levels of strict precautionary and preventive measures to ensure the safety of visitors and participants, in accordance with the highest global health and safety standards. Measures included the mandatory wearing of face masks, rigorous social distancing across the venue, requirements to demonstrate a negative PCR test taken within the last 24 hours, and regular sanitisation across the venue.
