Originally set for March 10-14, the Dubai International Boat Show has been rescheduled for November 24-28. According to the event’s website, the move was made in response to COVID-19, more commonly known as the Coronavirus and possibly on its way to becoming a pandemic.

Concerns regarding the Coronavirus led the Dubai International Boat Show organizers to reschedule the event from next week to November.

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Show organizers explained their decision in an announcement on the home page of the site.

“In light of the evolving global developments around the COVID-19 virus, Dubai World Trade Centre has been closely monitoring the situation, particularly as it pertains to our key stakeholders and participating delegations from around the world across all our upcoming shows,” the announcement stated. “While the UAE remains completely safe for travel, and has deployed the strictest medical and hygiene protocols, we fully recognize that for some specific shows, we have a high majority of key participants significant to the event’s program that are unable to travel due to restrictions in their home country. As such, we have been working closely to assure that our clients’ needs are most effectively addressed, and the delivery of strong international participation considered, in these extraordinary times.”

Among the United States-based high-performance marine companies affected is Mercury Racing, which has—in the wake of the announcement—scuttled plans to exhibit at the show.

“We regret to announce that we will not be at the show next week as planned,” said Stuart Halley, the general manager of the Fond du Lac, Wis., marine engine and accessories company in an email to members of the media. “We sincerely appreciate your understanding in this late-breaking development.”