In the lead up to the fifth edition of Sharjah’s globally renowned Xposure International Photography Festival which will see the participation of the medium’s most influential practitioners over four days starting February 10, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council (SMC), inspected the venue at Sharjah Expo Center today (Sunday) and reviewed the preparations, paying special attention to the health and safety protocols being implemented.
While touring the 18,810 sqm venue, festival organisers pointed out to the SMC Chairman all the precautionary measures being undertaken. From limiting the number of persons at the venue to 2,000 at any given point, restricting participants at workshops to 20persons at a time, to temperature checks at all entry points, detailed cleaning procedures, and strict social distancing policies, the safety protocols being implemented at the venue prioritise visitors’ safety in strict adherence to UAE guidelines.
No compromise on safety of visitors’
Highlighting the importance of the safety procedures in place at the Xposure venue, the SMC Chairman said: “As we gear up to host one of the most important and influential events in the field of photography, the health and safety of our visitors and participants remain paramount. We are therefore working closely with the government authorities to ensure that the highest standards of safety and hygiene are maintained in the Expo and that all recommended precautionary and preventive measures are in place for everybody to enjoy the Xposure experience with complete peace of mind.”
“While we are ensuring strict adherence to enforcing these protocols, we also ask our guests to fully cooperate and take individual responsibility for their own safety and well-being during their time at the festival. We look forward to welcoming you all to Xposure 2021 safely and making it a huge success,” he added.
Thermal cameras and sanitisation procedures
Apart from restricting visitor numbers in keeping with the social distancing protocols in place, the Xposure 2021 venue will implement additional safety measures such as monitoring temperature readings of all visitors through thermal cameras at all entry points; spaced seating following safe distance rules at workshop and seminar sites; walk-through sanitisation booths at entry points; regular disinfection of common areas with dedicated teams across the venue; disinfection of workshop booths, main auditorium and lecture halls after the completion of each session in addition to an overnight sterilisation of the Expo Center; safety announcements broadcast throughout the event site; provision of hand sanitisers around the venue; a strict no-entry-without-mask policy; and clear and visible social distancing and safety stickers on floors and walls even in the galleries, amongst others.
Organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB) at Expo Center Sharjah from February 10 to 13, Xposure 2021’s programme includes more than 21 inspiring talks and panel discussions, 14 interactive workshops 10 in-focus groups; and 14 portfolio reviews where award-winning visual storytellers, photojournalists, and emerging photographers will share insights into their techniques and styles, an awards ceremony, and more.
For more information and the details of the event programme, please visit: www.xposure.ae.
