Dubai: Rapid spreading deadly coronavirus has forced postponement of yet another key summit planned in the UAE, the leading international travel and tourism fair ‘Arabian Travel Market’.

The organiser ‘Reed Travel Exhibitions’ announced postponement of the four-day event, originally scheduled from April 19 to 22, to June 28 in view of the “health crisis related to COVID-10”.

“Due to the escalation of the COVID-19 epidemic around the world, after consultation with all our stakeholders, venue management, supporting associations, and in alignment with the advice from the UAE public health authorities regarding travel to and from impacted countries, we’ve taken the decision to postpone our event which was due to take place on 19 – 22 April 2020 in Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC),” a statement read.

“Whilst the UAE is following the strictest medical and hygiene protocols in line with international standards, we have made this decision in the best interest of the industry to enable us to organise an event which provides effective participation and experience for all,” it added.

The UAE reported at least 45 cases so far even as the health authorities there took stringent measures to prevent the spreading of the infection. All schools and universities have been closed for four weeks starting from March 8 while major events like music festivals in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the Art Dubai Exhibition, MotoGP have all been either scrapped or postponed due to the virus fear.