ieee globecom april28,08 nxpowerlite dubai2011

8/3/2019 Ieee Globecom April28,08 Nxpowerlite Dubai2011

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Executive Summary

2. Dubai: A World ClassConference Destination2.1 World Class Venues2.2 World Class Events2.3 World Class Support

3. Dubai: Where East Meets West3.1 A Brief History of Dubai3.2 UAE Facts and Figures3.3 A Cosmopolitan Hub for

Business and Tourism3.4 The City of Tomorrow

4. Dubai: Built for Business4.1 Connected to the World

4.2 Accommodation for all Tastes and Budgets

4.3 An Advanced TrafficInfrastructure

5. Dubai: A Rewarding Destination5.1 Things to Do5.2 A Lifestyle of Luxury

5.3 Exploring the UAE5.4 Extending your Stay5.5 Social Events

6. Dubai: Visitor Essentials6.1 Visitor Advice6.2 Visa Information



1.0EXECUTIVE SUMMARY




The IEEE Section in the United Arab Emirates

IEEE Communications Society Chapter in the UAEWIE Affinity Group in UAEGOLD Affinity Group in UAE9 universities in UAE and 4 other major universities from theregionDubai Silicon Oasis AuthorityEtisalat (Telecom Operator)Dubai Internet CityThe Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA)The Dubai Convention Bureau

The Dubai Convention and Exhibition CentreThe Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing

The IEEE Section in the United Arab Emirates and the city of

Dubai welcome the opportunity to bid for IEEE GLOBECOM2011. The opportunity to host this Conference has generatedenthusiasm and interest and has strong local support amongstthe IEEE members in the United Arab Emirates and the region.The bid has the full support of:




Should the IEEE decide to hold their event in the region, we

believe there will be tremendous scope for an excellentprogramme and exhibition. We also feel there will be greatregional and, indeed, wider international interest. Highattendance figures are anticipated as IEEE GLOBECOM hasnever been held in this part of the world in the past.

For IEEE GLOBECOM, we are able to offer a choice of twovenues, the existing Dubai International Convention andExhibition Centre or the new Dubai Exhibition World.

The Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre is an

outstanding facility which has successfully accommodatednumerous conferences, involving specialist interests as well asmore general activities.

In 2007 they hosted the FDI World Dental Congress whichattracted over 14,000 participants and recently won the bid for the World Diabetes Congress in 2011 which will attract 12,000delegates. Thus, the Convention Centre has a strong trackrecord already of hosting major congresses.




The new venue Dubai Exhibition World will open in 2010 and

this will offer 85,000 square metres of exhibition space, anauditorium accommodating from 1,500 to 11,000 people and ahall of 14,500 square metres with fully flexible acousticpartitioning, allowing organisers to create a series of varyingsized meeting rooms.

Our own local IEEE Section experience has involved theorganisation of a number of national and regional meetingsincluding:

The 4th ACS/IEE International Conference on Computer Systems and Applications (AICCSA-06), March 2006, Sharjah,UAE

The 3rd IEEE-GCC Conference, March 2006, Kingdom of Bahrain

The 3rd AUS International Symposium on Mechatronics

(AUS-ISM06) April 2006, Sharjah, UAEThe 4th International Forum on Engineering Education (IFEE) April 2006, Sharjah, UAEThe International Conference on Ubiquitous InformationTechnologies and Applications (ICUT¶ 2007) February 2007,Dubai, UAEISSPA 2007, International Symposium on Signal Processingand its Applications in conjunction with the InternationalConference on Information Sciences, Signal Processing andtheir Applications, February 2007, Sharjah, UAEThe 2nd International Conference on Modeling, Simulation and Applied Optimisation (ICMSAO¶ 2007) March 2007, Abu Dhabi,UAEThe 4th International Symposium on Mechatronics and its Applications (ISMA07) March 2007, Sharjah, UAEThe 4th IEEE-GCC Conference, November 2007, Kingdom of Bahrain

2007 IEEE International Conference on Signal Processing andCommunications, November 2007, Dubai, UAE




The IEEE GLOBECOM has ever taken place in our region and

we feel the opportunity to host the Congress will serve as acatalyst to promote membership not only nationally, butthroughout the region.

Educational activities are flourishing and are well supportednationally. Hosting the Congress will help strengthen theNational Society with the prospect of similar developments inneighbouring countries.

A large number of participants for a Congress is to be expected

and would enhance the standing of the IEEE in the region as awhole amongst participants from the Arab Countries, IndianSubcontinent, the Far East, Africa and Europe and the Americas.

The United Arab Emirates is a safe and secure place with

virtually no crime. Freedom of worship and equal opportunities ineducation are enshrined in the law and nationality, withoutexception, is no barrier to entry to Dubai. There is nodiscrimination regarding religious persuasion or beliefs and allare made welcome in a country where hospitality for guests andvisitors is a way of life.

There should be no reservations, whatsoever, regarding thechoice of Dubai as a venue to host the IEEE GLOBECOM 2011.Infrastructure already in place or under development, such as

the Metro underground rail line, will facilitate arrangements for the meeting and will help to ensure success.




Thus, there is already a good deal of local experience in

organising major meetings and this has involved concertedefforts for sponsorship from a variety of sources, which havebeen successful. None of the meetings organised by our Grouphas ever run at a loss and all have proved memorable andenjoyable.

Core involvement in the Organising Committee for the IEEEGLOBECOM will involve IEEE members country wide andstudents will be enlisted to help during the conference. For more information, please see our organisation chart at the end

of this section.

Finance and Sponsorship

If Dubai is chosen to host the IEEE GLOBECOM financialsupport will be raised from the private and government sectorsin Dubai. Support has already been promised by Dubai SiliconOasis, Etisalat and the Telecommunication Regulatory Aurthority(TRA).

The Organising Committee will appoint a Treasurer with theapproval of the IEEE. The Treasurer and Committee will beresponsible for the collection of all fees and payment of billsincurred. For the IEEE Regional Conference there was a

surplus of $150,000, so the IEEE Section in the UAE expects tohave a surplus of $500,000 for IEEE GLOBECOM 2011.



1.1EXECUTIVE SUMMARYSome of the previous Congresses held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre in the last three years are:

CongressTotal No. of Delegates

National Regional International

Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the World Bank Group

and the International Monetary Fund

8,000 800 2,400 4,800

Pan Arab Ophthalmology Congress 2,700 1,215 1,215 270

The International AdvertisersCongress

2,500 750 500 1,250

International Road TransportUnion Congress

1,250 160 100 990

UN Environment Programme 1,500 200 500 800

World Dental Congress 9,302 3,073 850 5,445




Future Congresses to be held in Dubai are:

CongressTotal No. of

DelegatesYear

16th International Conference on Medical Physics 600 2008

15th IUSTI Asia Pacific Congress 800 2008

Congress Of The International Hospital Federation 2,000 2011

World Congress of the International Association of PublicTransport

3,000 2011

21st World Diabetes Congress 12,000 2011




Accommodation

With over 40,00 hotel rooms currently on offer and another 40,000 or more due on line by 2010, Dubai offers a wide choiceof accommodation from deluxe five star hotels to servicedapartments and comfortable two and one star.

Presently Dubai has over 8,000 rooms in the two and one star category, so we will be able to offer low-cost housing for students and travellers on tight budgets.

All the five, four and three star hotels have several high quality

restaurants within their complexes and as Dubai is home to somany different nationalities, delegates will be able to find cuisineto suit all tastes and budgets. Restaurants and bars withinhotels and clubs all serve alcohol.

Access and Transportation

As you will see from this document one of Dubai¶s unique sellingpoints is the accessibility.

Dubai is a meeting point for destinations around the world withan average flying time of six hours or less from Europe, Asia,India and many parts of Africa.

Direct flights are now available to and from all of the continentsof the world.

The Dubai International Airport is just 10 minutes drive from theDubai International Convention Centre and within 25 minutesdrive from most of the hotels.




Visas

For the IEEE GLOBECOM 2011, the IEEE Section in the United Arab Emirates will undertake to facilitate visas for all conferencedelegates. For more information on visas please see section 6.2in the document.

There would be a desk set up in the arrivals hall beforeimmigration during the congress to assist all delegates attendingthe IEEE GLOBECOM.

Proposed Dates

For the IEEE GLOBECOM, we would propose the month of October or November as the weather would be more agreeable.Exact dates can be fixed around the requirements of the IEEE.

Social Events

In Dubai and the United Arab Emirates delegates andaccompanying persons will find a wide range of activities topursue.

Whether it be visits to neighbouring Emirates, shopping inmodern malls or traditional souks (markets), dune drives in thedesert, mountain safaris or playing golf on one of the eightcourses, there will be something for everyone.

There are also many options for VIP Dinners, Welcome

Receptions and Gala Dinners. These can be informal in thedesert or the beach or formal affairs in the most elegant of venues.




Climate

The UAE has a sub-tropical, arid climate with daytimetemperatures ranging from a low of about 10 degrees Celsius inJanuary to a high of 48 degrees Celsius in August.

Whatever the month it is always pleasant as all the venues,shops and restaurants are air-conditioned year round.

Taxation

In the United Arab Emirates there is zero tax on personal andcorporate income. Hotels charge a 10% service charge and

10% municipality fee.

As you will see from our introduction and this document Dubai

and the United Arab Emirates would be an ideal destination for the IEEE GLOBECOM and we look forward to welcoming you in2011.



Chair Eesa Bastaki

Honour Chair Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed AL Maktoum

Technical CommitteeChair, Al-Ahmad

Co-Chair, T. DuraniCo-Chair, H Aghvamii

IEEE UAESection DWTC DWTC

IEEE WIEUAE International

UAESectionHasan

Nashash

Program CommitteeIEEE UAE

Mohd AbdelhafezMohd Tarhuni

Marketing & PRCommittee

Essa Al Suwaidi

Organising CommitteeMohd Al Mualla

Local ArrangementCommittee

Khalid Al FahimEssa Al Suwaidi

International Regional DWTCIEEE UAE

A¶latif Glass

Conference ORG Chart



IEEE UAE Section Chair Dr. Eesa Bastaki

IEEE UAE SectionExeCom

JointSP/ Com

Society

PES WIE GOLD 1- UAE University2- American University of

Sharjah3- University of Sharjah4- Etisalat University College5- Ajman University of S&T6- American University in

Dubai7- BITS Pilani, Dubai8- Higher Colleges of Tech,

Abu Dhabi9- Petroleum Institute

Student Branches Affinity GroupsChaptersStudent Chapters& Affinity Groups

18members

from Academia& Industryin ExeCom

WIE in UAEUniversity

WIE inUniversity

of Sharjah

HG A

42

C

531

IFD E

Computer Society

B

IEEE UAE Section

ORG Chart



Chair Dr. Mohamed Al Mualla

Main CommitteeMeetings Manager Mr. Hareendralal

IEEE UAE Secretary

Finance Chair TBD (Bruce Worthman)

Committees LiaisonDr. Buthaina Tlili

Buthaina Tlili Abdullatif GlassHussain Al AhmadMahmoud Qutairi Abdulrahman AlaliNasser Qaddoumi Abdulqader Suhair A. HareendralalTaj KoralaMohamed AbdelhafezMuammar BettayebFauzan QaziG. VijayaMousa HusseinMembers from GCC

Treasurer Co-Chair Mr. Taj

IEEE UAE Treasurer

Organizing Committee



Dubai looks forward to

welcoming you in 2011.



2.0DUBAI: A WORLD CLASSCONFERENCE DESTINATION



2.1WORLD CLASS VENUES

Two State-Of-The-Art Venues

Dubai can offer the choice of two state-of-the-art conference andexhibition venues for the hosting of the IEEE GLOBECOM 2011.These are the centrally located Dubai International Conventionand Exhibition Centre and Dubai Exhibition World, due to openin 2010 at the new Dubai World Central Airport.



The venue is large enough to accommodate events of up to

15,000 delegates. Its main hall named after the late HisHighness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, has thecapacity to hold 600 to 6,000 delegates. When set as anauditorium it can comfortably accommodate 4,500 delegates.

Next to the Sheikh Rashid Hall is the Sheikh Maktoum Hall,which offers a 3,835 square metre area of space. This area canbe partitioned into four rooms, each accommodating between600 and 750 delegates, theatre style.

In addition to the two primary conference halls, there are afurther 20 breakout rooms.

Option One:

Dubai International Convention and Exhibition CentreIn September 2003, the Dubai International Convention andExhibition Centre (DICEC) hosted the Annual Congress of theInternational Monetary Fund and the Annual Meeting of theGovernors of the World Bank.

The event was highly successful and concluded two years of detailed and careful planning which included liaison andcoordination with most of the government departments of Dubaiand the federal authorities of the UAE.




The DICEC currently has two hotels on site ± the ibis and the

Novotel ± offering 622 three and four star rooms.

Three additional hotels are planned and will open in 2010. Thereare over 3,000 rooms within a two kilometre radius, with evenmore planned for the future.

Further information regarding recommended hotelaccommodation can be viewed in Section 4.2.

In total the DICEC is able to offer over 46,000 square metres of

pillar-free space over nine exhibition halls.

The exhibition halls have varying ceiling heights between sevenand ten metres.

The DICEC will have its own dedicated metro station from 2009,providing easy, swift access for all delegates. For more detailson Dubai¶s Metro, go to Section 5.3.




DICEC currently has twohotels on-site and three morewill be operational by 2010.



Telecommunications: Local, national and international telephone

and facsimile connections are provided through a highlysophisticated PABX system.

Special requirements such as DEL, point of sale, internetaccess, leased lines and ISDN can also be met.

24 Hour Services: Housekeeping, engineering for technicalrequirements and security services are available round-the-clock.

Exhibition Stand Fitting: An on-site stand fitting companyprovides electrical services, display material, carpets, furnitureand stand building services.

Facilities for Delegates

Catering Outlets: Six restaurants, two coffee shops and four snack bars are spread over the complex.

Car Parking: Space for more than 3,000 vehicles.

Conveniences: 3 ATMs, post office, car hire, travel agent andshops are located on site for delegate use.

Business Centre: Located in the main concourse. Open dailyoffering private meeting room facilities, secretarial services,

photocopying, printing, faxing, laminating, binding, stationery,electrical accessories, courier services and mobile phone rental.General Services




In addition to managing three food and beverage outlets housed

at the DWTC complex, the Food and Beverage Departmentprovide external catering for a variety of functions.

The facility is one of only three venues in Dubai who are Triple ARated by the Municipality of Dubai for kitchen excellence.

The staff of the Food and Beverage Department have servedmembers of Royalty, international dignitaries and members of the public from around the world for many years.

Specialising in International Cuisine, this professional team willensure your requirements are met and exceeded.

Conference Production: A selection of production houses,

familiar with our working practices and capable of producingtailored events are also on call.

Al Wasl Press Conference Centre: A fully equipped, 50-seat high specification centre with state-of-the-art conferencing equipment to ensure your seminar or pressconference is a success.

Food and Beverage ServicesWith a cutting edge kitchen capable of meeting the demands of

major conventions, the Food and Beverage Department atDWTC offers a wide range of options for discerning clients.




Dubai International

Conference andExhibition Centre(DICEC)



DICEC

Sheikh Rashid HallOption One



DICEC

Sheikh Rashid HallOption Two



DICEC

Sheikh Maktoum Hall



DICEC

Exhibition Halls



DICEC

Levels One and Two



Dubai Exhibition City




DubaiExhibitionWorld

Option 2:

Dubai Exhibition World

Dubai Exhibition World (DEW) will form the heart of theDubai Exhibition City development, alongside the new DubaiWorld Central International Airport. It will be well connected toboth of Dubai¶s airports and many hotels via the light rail andmetro systems and will have a dedicated station at themain entrance.

DEW will be a US$2.17 billion facility capable of hosting the

world¶s largest and most prestigious exhibitions and events.It will comprise of 19 fully-flexible exhibition halls. With thedividing partitions open, 17 of the halls can be combined tocreate a single exhibition area of more than 85,000 squaremetres, which at over 1 kilometre long will be the largest single

hall in the world.




DubaiExhibition

World

Adjacent to the main concourse will be two multipurpose halls of

15,000 square metres. One will have a clear height of 19 metresand will seat over 12,000 people in an auditorium configuration.Designed to accommodate the most complex light and soundrigs, the hall will serve as a spectacular setting for world-classconcerts and events.

The second hall will have divisible soundproof walls to providemultiple rooms capable of accommodating 400 plus delegates.In addition there will be 40 meeting rooms on the first floor of the concourse.

As well as world class exhibition space, DEW will provide arange of unrivalled services to organisers, exhibitors and

visitors.




DubaiExhibition

World

About Dubai Exhibition City

In addition to Dubai Exhibition World, Dubai Exhibition Citywill offer:

A low rise office park A range of exciting retail options8,000 international standard hotel rooms in 3 Star, 4 Star and5 Star categories

Alight industrial zone housing all event-related service suppliers

The entire area will be landscaped to include lakes, waterways,

green areas and parkland and will be linked by air-conditionedwalkways.



Dubai Exhibition City



Dubai successfully hosted the2003 Annual Meeting of theBoard of Governors of theWorld Bank Group and theInternational Monetary Fund.



The delegates included Prime Ministers, Ministers of Finance

and Governors of Central Banks from 184 member countries of the Bank and the Fund, all of whom were afforded theappropriate protocol courtesies and security.

The meetings were also attended by members of the privatesector, representatives of inter-governmental organisations,individuals from non-governmental organisations andinternational media.

Protocol

Dubai and the UAE have hosted many high profile events withdignitaries attending from all over the world.

One of the most significant was the Annual Meeting of theBoards of Governors of the World Bank Group and theInternational Monetary Fund which attracted over 15,000participants and was a huge success.

2.3WORLD CLASS SUPPORT



2.3WORLD CLASS SUPPORT

Statements of support from prominent Ministers and Regulatory

Authorities will be made subject to your approval, for use inpromotional literature. Supporting photographs, official logos andhistories will also be on-hand should they be required.

To complement this, the United Arab Emirates OrganisingCommittee will carry out direct marketing, sending direct mail torelevant databases, issue press releases and promote the eventwith regional societies. The Committee will also provide adviceon local protocol and the handling of official invitees such as theRulers, Ministers, VIPS and healthcare policy makers.

Marketing and Promotion

The emirate of Dubai agrees to undertake a national promotionalcampaign in consultation with the International Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies.

The campaign will use a wide variety of on and off-line mediaincluding (but not limited to) local press, national press, trademagazines/journals, industry associations, websites, e-newsletters, radio, television and e-invitations. A PublicRelations and Design agency will also be on hand to advise anddeliver professional and timely collateral.



3.0DUBAI:WHERE EAST MEETS WEST



3.1A BRIEF HISTORY OF DUBAI

Commercial success allied to the liberal attitudes of Dubai's

rulers, made the emirate attractive to traders from India, Iranand around the Gulf who began to settle in the growing town.

By the late 1870s, Dubai became the principal port of the Gulf Coast, and by the turn of the century, it was reputed to have hadthe largest souqs in Arabia. Pearls continued to be a mainstay of the emirate's prosperity until the 1940s, when the developmentof Japanese cultured pearls led to a collapse in demand for thenatural product.

However by that time, trade in other products including gold hadgrown steadily and Dubai continued to thrive as 'the city of merchants'.

Little is known about the first settlers in Dubai. However,

archaeological discoveries prove that as long as 4,000 yearsago, small fishing communities lived along the coast of the Arabian Gulf.

Records dating back to the 18th century show that Dubai was asmall fishing and trading village inhabited by members of theBani Yas tribe, one of the most renowned tribes of Southern Arabia.

In 1833, some 800 members of the Bani Yas tribe, led by the

Maktoum family, settled at the mouth of the creek. The creekwas a natural harbour and Dubai soon became a centre for thefishing, pearl diving and sea trade.



3.1A BRIEF HISTORY OF DUBAI

The UAE was formed in 1971, as a federation of the seven

emirates (or sheikdoms) of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman,Ras Al Kaimah, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah.

Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Ruler of Abu Dhabiwas elected as the first President of UAE and Sheikh Rashid BinSaeed Al Maktoum as Vice- President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

Today the UAE President is Sheikh Zayed¶s eldest son HisHighness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nayhan and the Vice

President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai is His HighnessSheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The British regarded the Gulf region as an important

communication link with its empire in India and, in the late1800s, with the agreement of the rulers, the Trucial Coast (asthe area was known to Europeans) became a BritishProtectorate.

In 1966 Dubai's oil reserves were discovered and it was duringthis time Britain announced its withdrawal from the region,a move which was to have a significant impact on the politicalgeography of the area. Under the wise and progressiveleadership of Dubai's Ruler, there was considerable government

spending on infrastructure, education and healthcare, all part of a long-term plan to turn Dubai into a thriving cosmopolitancentre for business and tourism.



3.2UAE FACTS AND FIGURES

The eastern emirate of Fujairah, situated on the Gulf of Oman, is

accessible via the spectacular Hajar mountains.

Climate

The UAE has a sub-tropical, arid climate with daytimetemperatures ranging from a low of about 10 degrees Celsiusin January to a high of 48 degrees Celsius in August.

Whatever the month it is always pleasant as all the venues,shops and restaurants are air-conditioned year round.

Geography

The UAE is situated on the Arabian Gulf between Qatar on thewest and Oman on the east. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia inthe south on the fringes of the Empty Quarter.

Considered the commercial capital of the UAE, Dubai is thesecond largest of the seven emirates. The emirate of Dubai andthe constantly expanding city is roughly 35 square kilometres.Dubai¶s coastline features many miles of beautiful fine, whitesandy beaches. The desert extends from the southern fringes of the city to the border with Saudi Arabia.



The destination between

east and west.




Dubai has led the way in investing revenue from oil reserves intoinfrastructure to support the services sector, particularly financialservices and tourism.

Attraction of foreign business to free-trade areas such as theJebel Ali Free Zone, Media City, Internet City, Dubai SiliconOasis and Dubai Healthcare City has also been one of Dubai¶sgreatest economic achievements.

Trade, manufacturing and construction also play a major role inthe economy.

The Economy

The UAE's economy is extremely buoyant and the countryenjoys a sizeable trade surplus. Gross Domestic Product (officialexchange rate) was estimated to be $109.3 billion in 2006 andthe real growth rate in GDP is estimated at an impressive 8.9%pa, while the GDP per capita was a healthy $49,700.

Although the UAE controls about 9% of the world's oil reserves,it is seeking to reduce its dependence on the hydrocarbonssector.




The population of Dubai was estimated to be 1.42 million in2006 and it has one of the world¶s fastest growing populations.Between 2005 and 2006, around 25,000 people a month weremoving to Dubai.

As you would expect from such a cosmopolitan city, thepopulation of Dubai consists of a melting pot of nationalities thatincludes expatriates from all over the world.

The UAE¶s major exports include crude petroleum and re-

exports. Major imports include machinery and electricalequipment, precious stones and metals, vehicles andtransportation and base metals.

Population

The population of the UAE was estimated to be around 4.9 million in 2006.



Dubai has one of the world¶sfastest growing populations.Between 2005 and 2006 around25,000 people a month were

moving to Dubai.




It played a leading role in the formation of the Arab Gulf Co-operation Council (AGCC) and continues to be influential in thepolitics of the region.

All major embassies and consulates are represented in Dubaiand/or Abu Dhabi.

Government

The Supreme Council of Rulers is the highest authority in theUAE and comprises of the hereditary rulers of the sevenemirates.

International Relations

The UAE is committed to the support of Arab unity but alsoremains open in its foreign relations.

It has been a member of the Arab League and the UnitedNations since its formation in 1971 and is a member of the IMF,OPEC, WTO and many other respected organisations.




It has achieved this success in a relatively short period of timedue largely to the following factors; a visionary leadership, a highquality infrastructure, an expatriate-friendly environment, lowimport duties and zero tax on personal and corporate income.

Lifestyle

Dubai has an excellent infrastructure and offers everything youwould expect of a modern international city. Citizens, expatriatesand visitors alike, enjoy a relaxed and pleasant lifestyle. There isvirtually no crime, the city is clean and there is a wide choice of modern and spacious accommodation. In addition, Dubai has achoice of cuisine to suit any palate and all pockets.

The Supreme Council is responsible for policy matters involving

education, defence, foreign affairs, communication anddevelopment and federal laws. It is also responsible for electingthe President from among its members.

The City Today

Dubai has become a principal business and tourism hub for theregion stretching from Egypt to the Indian sub-continent andfrom South Africa to the CIS countries.



Dubai has become aprincipal business hubfor the region.



3.3A COSMOPOLITAN HUB FORBUSINESS AND TOURISM

Culture and Heritage

Dubai¶s culture is rooted in the Islamic traditions of Arabia. TheUAE¶s Rulers are committed to safeguarding their heritageagainst erosion caused by the speed of change.

They are keen to promote cultural and sporting events that arerepresentative of their traditions such as falconry, camel racingand dhow sailing. Arabic culture in poetry, dancing, songs andtraditional art are encouraged.

Weddings and religious celebrations are still colourful occasionsof feasting and music.

Language

The UAE¶s national language is Arabic. However, English iswidely spoken throughout Dubai, and appears on all streetsigns, so delegates should have no problems travelling aroundthe city.

The UAE is very tolerant and welcoming; foreigners are free topractice their own religion ± indeed Christian churches haveexisted in Dubai for many years. Alcohol may be consumed athome, in hotels and on licensed club premises. The dress codeis liberal. Women face no discrimination and are free to drive

and walk around unescorted.



3.3A COSMOPOLITAN HUB FORBUSINESS AND TOURISM

These include three high profile events: the Dubai DesertClassic (a stop on the Professional Golf Association tour), theDubai Tennis Open (an ATP event) and the Dubai World Cup(the richest horse race in the world).

There are many new developments currently in constructionincluding the Dubai Festival City and Dubai Sports City whichwill further enhance Dubai¶s attraction to world-class eventorganisers.

The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding,located on Dubai Creek, is a great place for visitors to gain abetter understanding of UAE heritage and traditions. Likewisethe Dubai Museum and Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum¶s House atShindaga.

Events

Dubai hosts many world renowned sporting and entertainmentevents, particularly during the cooler months from November toMarch.



3.4THE CITY OF TOMORROW

The total fleet size will exceed 100 trains. The Metro network willbe fully integrated within the overall Public Transit networkoperated by the Dubai Roads andTransport Authority.

Dubai World Central International Airport is a 140 squarekilometre urban aviation community centred around the world'slargest international airport. Currently being built 40 kilometresfrom the existing Dubai International Airport, the project is almosttwice the size of Hong Kong Island. DWC comprises of a seriesof specialised clustered zones: Dubai World CentralInternational Airport, Dubai Logistics City, which also includes adedicated aviation area, Commercial City, Residential City,Enterprise Park, Dubai Exhibition City and a 36-hole golf resort.

Against the backdrop of a carefully preserved heritage, Dubai'sbuilding a visionary future. In the coming few years work willapproach completion on several mega projects that will continueto transform the face of Dubai, such as the Metro TransitSystem, Dubai World Central, Dubailand, Bawadi, The PalmJumeirah, Dubai Maritime City and the Burj Dubai.

The Dubai Metro will open on 09.09.2009 and will be anadvanced urban rail system. It will include 55 stations, 18kilometres of tunnel, 51 kilometres of viaduct, one major traindepot and maintenance facilities site and several auxiliarystabling facilities.




Dubailand will possibly be the biggest tourism, leisure andentertainment attraction on the planet. The mega developmentwill have leisure options to suit every taste and including Tiger Woods Dubai, Ernie Els¶ The Dunes, Manchester United Soccer School, The ICC Global Cricket Academy, Dubai Motor City, TheCity of Arabia, Falcon City of Wonders, a giant water park andUniversal Studios

The Bawadi project forms part of Dubailand and will add 31more hotels to the Dubai skyline, nearly doubling the currentnumber of hotel rooms in the city. The centrepiece will be theworld's largest hotel, Asia-Asia, which alone will provide 6,500rooms. When completed in 2016, the ten kilometre thematichotel strip will be able to accommodate over three millionvisitors.




It will create a specialised environment that will promote thenetworking and integration of leading maritime companies in onedestination.

Burj Dubai will create a new architectural landmark in Dubai.Set amidst open green landscape and flowing water, it willcombine residential and commercial accommodation together with a hotel, an entertainment and leisure complex, pedestrianboulevards and one of the world¶s largest shopping malls.

The Palm Jumeriah is the first of three man-made, palmshaped islands off the coast of Dubai. The islands will offer over40 hotels, 5,000 villas and apartments each, plus a widechoice of amenities.

The Future Maritime City is the world's most comprehensivemaritime complex providing a unique world class environmentfor the global maritime community.



4.0DUBAI:BUILT FOR BUSINESS



4.1CONNECTED TO THE WORLD

EmiratesAirline

Dubai based Emirates Airline is one of the fastest growingairlines in the world and has received more than 300international awards for excellence since its launch in 1985.

Emirates now flies to over 90 destinations throughout fivecontinents. This year alone four new routes have been added;Houston, Venice, Newcastle and Sao Paulo.

The fleet currently consists of 103 aircraft. Emirates¶ order bookstands at 107 aircraft, with a total value of approximately US$30billion. This includes 47 of the gigantic A380 double-decker super-jumbos ± the largest order from any worldwide airline.

Travelling to Dubai

As you will see from this document, one of Dubai¶s uniqueselling points is its accessibility.

Dubai is a meeting point for destinations around the world withan average flying time of six hours or less from Europe, Eastand Southeast Asia, India and many parts of Africa.

Direct flights are available to and from all of the continents of theworld.




Other Major Airlines

Competition has been made all the more fierce by Dubai'scontinuing Open Skies policy which allows over 110 airlines topass through the city¶s busy international airport.

These airlines include; British Airways, Continental Airlines, Aer Lingus, Air France, Lufthansa, KLM and Cathay Pacific.

Currently, more than 50% of all flight movements in and out of Dubai International Airport are Emirates aircraft. By 2010, thatfigure is expected to rise to 70%.

Emirates SkyCargo

Leads the way in logistics. This award winning division of Emirates Airline was established in 1985 and has rapidly built animage of reliability, innovation and flexibility ± all key qualitiesrequired by the industry flying to over 70 countries around theworld.




Dubai World Central InternationalAirport

Dubai World Central International Airport will be bigger than thecombined size of London¶s Heathrow and Chicago¶s O¶Hare Airports when it fully opens. It will be fully operational before2012.

Airport Transfers

Most hotels offer a complimentary shuttle service, but clean,inexpensive metered taxis are easily obtainable from just outsidethe terminal building. Alternately, it is possible to hire a car fromone of the many car rental agencies located at the airport. It willalso be possible to transfer via the Dubai Metro, which will havestations near most international hotels.

Dubai International Airport

Dubai International Airport is one of the fastest growing airportsin the world and the aviation hub of the Middle East.

A total of 28 million passengers passed through the DubaiInternational Airport in 2006, up 16.2% over 2005. The annualfigure for 2007 is estimated to be more than 33 million.

The Dubai International Airport Expansion Programme, whichincludes the construction of Terminal 3, will enable the airport tohandle up to 60 million passengers per year by 2010, as well asfacilitating the new A380 super-jumbo with 24 dedicated gates.Terminal 3 is expected to be operational in the third quarter of 2007.




AlternativeAirports

Neighbouring Sharjah Airport is a base for regional and

international budget airlines and is 40 minutes away from thecity of Dubai. In addition, Abu Dhabi International Airport is only90 minutes away by road.

Dubai International Airport is located near the city centre andtransfer time to the Dubai International Convention andExhibition Centre is typically ten minutes by car.

Transfer times to the main hotels around town vary frombetween five to twenty five minutes depending on the chosenlocation.

Dubai World Central International Airport will be located directlynext to Dubai Exhibition World.



4.2ACCOMMODATION FORALL TASTES AND BUDGETS

Selected Premium Hotels:

Novotel, Towers Rotana, Millennium Airport Hotel, Radisson

SAS, Metropolitan Hotel, Al Manzil Hotel, Qamardeen Hotel,Jumeriah Emirates Towers Hotel, Dusit Dubai, The Fairmont,Crowne Plaza, Grand Hyatt, Shangri La, Jumeriah Beach Hotel,Grosvenor House, Ritz Carlton, One & Only Royal Mirage, MinaSalam.

HotelApartments:

Golden Sands Hotel Apartments, Dar Al Sondos Hotel Apartments by Le Meridien.

Dubai¶s status as a key business hub between Africa and Asia,and a leading international leisure destination, mean that it isextremely well catered for when it comes to accommodation.

Dubai can offer delegates a wide range of accommodation,including hotels and serviced apartments, ranging fromfunctional 1 Star city hotels to luxurious 5 Star beach hotels.

This section highlights a very small sample of Dubai¶s availableaccommodation.

Selected Budget Business Hotels:

ibis, Regal Plaza Hotel, Seashell Inn, Highland Hotel, ArabianPark Hotel, Holiday Inn Express.




Seashell Inn (3 Star)

This hotel has 103 rooms. It is situated close to the creek and is

approximately a ten minute drive away from DICEC. It has aselection of bars and restaurants as well as a business centre.

Highland Hotel (3 Star)

This hotel is very close to the Creek. It has a selection of barsand restaurants as well as a swimming pool, gym and businesscentre. It has 126 rooms and is approximately ten minutes drivefrom DICEC.

ibis (3 Star)

The ibis World Trade Centre Dubai hotel is directly linked toDICEC, making it an extremely convenient option. It has 210

rooms, as well as restaurants and bars.

Regal Plaza Hotel (3 Star)

This hotel is centrally located, within walking distance of theCreek and the Burjuman shopping mall. It has 87 rooms andoffers a range of bars and restaurants. It is approximately tenminutes drive from DICEC.



4.2ACCOMMODATION FORALL TASTES AND BUDGETSArabian Park Hotel (3 Star)

This recently opened hotel is situated between the airport andDICEC and is no more than a five minute drive away. It has318 rooms and prides itself on offering first-class service andaccommodation at an affordable price. The hotel has fullbusiness facilities and a fully equipped health club withswimming pool. A shuttle bus takes guests to the nearbyWafi City Mall & Restaurants complex, home to manyfashionable bars and restaurants such as Ginseng, Vintageand Medzo. In all, this hotel offers excellent value for money.

Holiday Inn Express (3 Star)

Located at Internet City, this recently opened hotel is another low-cost, good value option. It is about 30 minutes drive awayfrom DICEC but has the added benefit of being close to thebeach. There are 244 rooms in all.




MillenniumAirport Hotel (4 Star)

Located around the corner from Dubai International Airport this

hotel has 115 rooms and is at the crossroads of the key routesto the city centre, the banking and business districts and Dubai'snumerous parks and beaches.

Radisson SAS (4 Star)

Strategically located in the heart of Dubai Media City and only15 minutes from DICEC with 246 rooms. Its close proximity tothe beach and the city's vibrant shopping areas make it theperfect destination to mix business with pleasure.

Novotel (4 Star)

This hotel is directly linked to DICEC. It has412 rooms as wellas restaurants and bars.

Towers Rotana (4 Star)

This hotel is just five minutes drive from DICEC and has 360

rooms. Again, the hotel is tailored to the needs of the businesstraveller and has the added bonus of offering Teatro, one of thebest restaurants in the city.




Golden Sands Hotel Apartments

These well-known hotel apartments are just five minutes drive

away from DICEC. They are close to the Burjuman ShoppingMall and a good supermarket. Guests have use of a swimmingpool, gym and business centre. It has419 rooms.

Dar Al Sondos Hotel Apartments by Le Meridien

These hotel apartments are ten minutes drive from DICEC. Ithas 144 rooms. Facilities include a 24-hour coffee shop, aswimming pool and gym.

Metropolitan Hotel (4 Star)

Located on Sheikh Zayed Road, this property is five minutesfrom the DICEC. Comprising of 192 rooms, inclusive of 13majestic suites, it is surrounded by tranquil and beautifullylandscaped gardens creating an oasis of its own.

Al Manzil Hotel and Qamardeen Hotel (4 Star)

Part of the Burj Dubai District, which will house the world¶s tallesttower, the world's largest shopping mall, and The Old TownSouk, complete with a myriad of shops and boutiques. Al Manzilhas 197 rooms and Qamardeen has 186 rooms.




Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel (5 Star)

Soaring high above the central business and commercial district,

this hotel is a dramatic backdrop to Dubai's skyline.It incorporates an up-market shopping mall and rangeof excellent bars and restaurants such as The Agency,The Noodle House and Vu¶s. In all, the hotel has 400 rooms.It is ideally suited for business-travellers and within walkingdistance of DICEC.

Dusit Dubai (5 Star)

The Dusit is situated in another striking skyscraper on SheikhZayed Road ± its shape has been likened to that of a tuning fork.The Dusit offers 174 rooms and serviced apartments. Theemphasis is on luxury combined with Thai hospitality to meet theneeds of business travellers. It is about five minutes drivefrom DICEC.




It is a ten minute drive away from DICEC but has the advantageof being able to offer 674 rooms in a resort-style atmosphere.

Again, this hotel also offers some excellent dining options suchas The Manhattan Grill and Adiamo.

Crowne Plaza (5 Star)

Another very convenient location, almost directly oppositeDICEC. This hotel has 560 rooms and a good range of bars andrestaurants. DICEC is a five minute walk away.

The Fairmont (5 Star)

This hotel, part of the highly regarded Canadian chain, has 394

rooms and serviced apartments. It also has some of the mostfashionable restaurants in town including Spectrum on One andThe Exchange Grill. The hotel is situated directly oppositeDICEC and is less than a five minute walk away.

Grand Hyatt (5 Star)

This hotel is located between the airport and DICEC.




The hotel has 618 sea view rooms and 25 restaurants. Thishotel is particularly ideal for watersports enthusiasts.

Grosvenor House (5 Star)

A truly landmark building situated on the edge of the Marina,close to the beach. Grosvenor House offers 217 sea-facing

rooms and 205 fully-furnished serviced apartments. It alsooffers some of the best restaurants and bars in Dubai such asMezzanine, Indego and Buddha Bar ± one of only two outsideParis.

Shangri La (5 Star)

The Shangri La¶s 301 rooms and 126 serviced apartments

offer panoramic views of the coast and city. The hotel also hasthe highly rated Shang Palace and Amwaj restaurants. DICEC is just five minutes drive away.

Jumeirah Beach Hotel (5 Star)

Built in the shape of an ocean wave, overlooking the Burj Al Arab, this is another piece of iconic Dubai architecture.




It has some of Dubai¶s best restaurants and bars such asTagine, The Rooftop and Kasbar.

Mina Salam (5 Star)

Part of the luxurious Arabian-style Madinat Jumeirah resort, thishotel is slightly closer to DICEC than the other beach hotels. Thehotel has 940 rooms and is linked to the Souk Madinat whichfeatures the largest selection of bars and restaurants in the city.Guests have the fun of travelling around the resort¶s waterwayson abras.

Ritz Carlton (5 Star)

The hotel features stunning Mediterranean-style architecture

and beautiful lawns extending out to the beach. It has 138rooms, all with a sea-view and private balcony or patio. As youwould expect from the Ritz-Carlton, the level of service isunsurpassed.

One & Only Royal Mirage (5 Star)

Designed in traditional Arabian architecture and set amongststunning grounds, the One & Only Royal Mirage has 204 rooms

and is one of the most tranquil hotels in Dubai.




Price of single room inclusive of tax,service and breakfast

Price of double room inclusive of tax,service and breakfast

AED US$ AED US$

5 Star From 980 From 267 From 1,250 From 340

4 Star From 550 From 150 From 850 From 231

3 Star From 350 From9

5 From 39

5 From 107

Hotel Apartments

One Bedroom From 750 From 204

Two BedroomFrom 1,050 From 285

2008 Room rates quoted.

Exchange rate: US$1=3.675 Dhs.



Selected Dubai hotels and

proximity to venues and airports.



4.3AN ADVANCED TRAFFIC INFRASTRUCTURE

The Authority will increase the number of buses, trips, routesand services with a goal of 1,200 buses in the fleet by 2008.

Marine transport projects are also underway at a cost of over AED 1 billion. In addition to the traditional abras crossing theCreek, water buses each with a capacity of 35 passengers per bus have been introduced.

There will also be six ferries each capable of accommodating120 commuters, that will be launched in 2008.

Taxis are also a popular mode of transport. The well maintained

metered taxis are efficient with well trained, courteous driversand are an inexpensive way of getting around.

GettingAround

Dubai is first emirate to abandon the car-only transport policy in

favour of an integrated transportation policy. Public transport isconsidered vital to the daily life of commuters in Dubai and theRoads and Transport Authority has worked out an ambitiousplan to increase the uplift share of mass transit in the number of trips to 30%. The plan includes the implementation of anextensive Dubai Metro System. This will open in 2009.

There is also a modern public bus service operated by theRoads and Transport Authority, which presently carries 72million passengers annually.



The Dubai Metro will open in 2009

and will be an advanced urbanrail system with 55 stations.



5.0DUBAI:A REWARDING DESTINATION



5.1THINGS TO DO

Golf

Dubai is the golfing capital of the region. The city currently has

eight distinctive golf courses, including those designed byNicholson Design, Ernie Els and Colin Montgomerie - each withworld standard clubhouses and coaching facilities with PGAqualified professionals. Several of the courses host internationalevents and attract the world¶s top golfers.

Ski Dubai

Ski Dubai opened in the Mall of the Emirates in late 2005 and isthe world¶s largest indoor ski slope. An amazing 22,500 squaremetres covered with real snow all year round, Ski Dubai has five

runs with the longest run being 400 metres as well as a90 metrelong quarter pipe for snowboarders. Test your skills ontheworld¶s first indoor black run or practice your turns on thebeginner slopes.

Beaches

With year-round sunshine, beautiful white sandy beaches and

clear blue water, Dubai is perfect for a sun-worshipper. Visitorscan choose from luxurious beach clubs situated in the hotels or public beaches which run the full-length of Jumeirah BeachRoad. Jumeirah Beach Park is a great choice for visitors as it iseasy to find and is equipped with changing facilities.

Water Sports

Most of the beach hotels offer guests a variety of water sportssuch as scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, surfing and water-skiing.

DesertActivities

A multitude of companies now offer activities such as Off-RoadDesert Safaris, Quad Biking and Falconry.



5.1THINGS TO DO

This multi-purpose complex also serves as an ideal setting for concerts and corporate events, whether conferences, seminars,

or motoring exhibitions.

Wild Wadi Water Park

When it comes to excitement, you just can't get enough at WildWadi! For one adrenalin rush after another, try the 80 kilometresper hour downhill hurtle on the Jumeirah Sceirah; the 1.5 metrehigh waves at Breakers Bay or the white-knuckle ride atRushdown Ravine. For the not so brave and the laid back, WildWadi offers hours of relaxation. It's the perfect place to unwind,sit back and have a great time.

DubaiAutodrome

The Dubai Autodrome is the region's first fully integrated motor

sports facility. The complex, a part of the Union Properties Motor City development, not only includes an FIA sanctioned 5.39 kilometre circuit, which offers six different configurations, butalso incorporates a race and driving school and a CIK approvedkarting track.

Officially inaugurated in October 2004 when it hosted the finalround of the FIA GT Championship, the Dubai Autodrome isdesigned to accommodate all types of motor sports events fromworld class to local.



5.2A LIFESTYLE OF LUXURY

Many of the world¶s most prominent designers and brands nowhave shops in Dubai.

Dubai¶s tax-free status, combined with excellent shopping mallsdraws back shoppers time and time again.

The best shopping is contained within the many shopping malls.The largest malls are; Mall of the Emirates, Burjuman, Wafi City,Ibn Battuta, Deira City Centre and Festival City.

With many more due to be added over the next few yearsincluding the gargantuan Dubai Mall and Mall of Arabia.

Spa Treatments

With an exotic menu of mystical Arabian treatments and

therapies, this experience will truly be an unforgettable one. After a busy day visiting Dubai's outstanding shopping malls,beautiful beaches and luxurious hotels escape to a haven of bliss, relaxation and serenity in one of the city's world classspas.

Shopping

Dubai is world renowned for its shopping and its annualShopping Festival, usually held in February, attracts visitors fromall over the world.



5.2A LIFESTYLE OF LUXURY

Eating Out

Cosmopolitan and vibrant, Dubai has an huge choice of

excellent restaurants. From Arabic to Vietnamese there issomething to suit every taste and budget and eating out isextremely popular in Dubai. Many of the most popular restaurants are in hotels and these are the only outlets that willserve alcohol with your meal. Many restaurants have buffetnights when you can eat, and sometimes drink, as much as youlike for an all-inclusive price.

Bars and Night Clubs

There are many stunning bars to choose from. Those with

particularly spectacular settings include; The Terrace at the ParkHyatt, Bahri Bar at Mina Salam, Vu Bar at Emirates Towers,The Rooftop at the Royal Mirage and Sho Cho at Dubai MarineClub. Trilogy at the Souk Madinat and The Apartment atJumeirah Beach Hotel are currently the night clubs of choice.



5.3EXPLORING THE UAE

Dubai by Night ± Dhow cruise with Dinner (Two hour cruise)Experience the romance and the thrill of travelling in a dhow, the

magnificent vessel that is a symbol of the UAE¶s sea-faringhistory.

This cruise is scintillating as you traverse along the city¶s skyline,witnessing the grandeur of the past and the modern architecture,all while enjoying a delicious and romantic dinner.

Jewel of the Gulf ± Abu Dhabi Tour (Full day) A day trip to the U.A.E capital, Abu Dhabi is an exciting package,revealing a blend of modernity and tradition.

Abu Dhabi is a city of shimmering skyscrapers, excitingmonuments, verdant greenery and a long corniche.

Discover Dubai ± City Tour (Half day)Experience this fascinating historical excursion past ancient and

modern Dubai. Visit such historical sites as the JumeirahMosque, Dubai Museum, Spice and Gold Souqs.

Cultural Sharjah ± City Tour (Half day)Visit Dubai's neighbouring emirate, Sharjah, for a half day tour of the 'Cultural Centre of the Gulf'. The tour takes visitors to manyof the city's souqs as well as historical landmarks.

City of Traders ± Dubai Shopping Tour (Half day)See why Dubai is known as a shopper's paradise. Shopping

tours can include visiting 21st century malls offering everythingfrom chic designer clothing to electronic gadgets, to visitingtraditional souqs which are a haven for bargain huntersinterested in traditional handicrafts, antiques, carpets and gold!



5.3EXPLORING THE UAE

An Ocean of Sand ± Desert Safari (Half day)Departing in the early afternoon, this exotic tour takes you on a

rollercoaster ride over majestic sand dunes. After watching thesun setting behind the dunes the journey continues to a Bedouincampsite. At the campsite a sumptuous barbecue dinner isrelished as you settle in the warmth of a crackling bonfire. This isa fun-packed evening with Arabic music, belly dancing andhubbly bubbly water pipes (the typical Arabic ending for asumptuous meal).

Mountain Safari ± Hajar Mountain Tour (Full day)For a visitor with a flair for adventure, this tour offers a

fascinating mountain safari through the steep passes of thebreathtaking landscape of the Hajar range. Take a dip into thecool pools of the serene rocky mountains or enjoy lunch by thepoolside of the tranquil surroundings of Hatta Fort Hotel.

City of Oases ± Al Ain City Tour (Full day)Known as a Garden City, Al Ain is a desert oasis, where

caravans stopped over since time immemorial.

The city boasts some intriguing tourist spots, including a fort builtby the ruling Al Nahyan family over 175 years ago, Al Ain Zooand Aquarium, with the region¶s largest collection of animals andJebel Hafeet, the UAE's highest mountain peak.

Along the East Coast ± East Coast Tour (Full day)The trip to the exotic landscape on the East Coast starts bydriving through both red desert dunes and rigid mountains to two

main centres ± Khorfakkan and Fujairah, where you can take arefreshing swim in crystal blue waters of the Gulf.



5.4EXTENDING YOUR STAY

Pre and Post Conference Holidays

With year-round sunshine and proximity to beaches, desert and

mountains, many business-travellers coming to Dubai choose toextend their stay.

As has already been covered, Dubai hosts many world-renowned sporting and entertainment events, particularly duringthe winter months including the Dubai Desert Classic, theDubai Open Tennis Championships and the Dubai World Cup;the richest horse race in the world.

Alternatively, delegates may choose simply to relax in the

surroundings of one of the many luxurious beach hotels or the desert at Al Maha Resort, Bab Al Shams Resort and Spa or The Hatta Fort Hotel. Dive-enthusiasts may enjoy exploringthe marine life of the Indian Ocean in the emirate of Fujairah.



Many business travellerscoming to Dubai choose toextend their stay.



5.5SOCIAL EVENTS

Beach Barbecue

A relaxed and casual evening, on the shores of the Arabian Gulf

with the magnificent Dubai skyline in the background. Guestswill enjoy a sumptuous international buffet before a fireworksfinale.

Formal Evening

An evening at the Madinat Jumeirah, the Arabian resort styled toresemble an ancient citadel. Luxurious and ornate, combiningopulence with an overwhelming sense of tradition.

The Magic of the Future

Enjoy a fun filled evening at Dubailand the biggest and the mostambitious project Dubai has ever undertaken. Dubailand willincorporate a critical mass of attractions and an endless mix of night activities.

1001 Arabian Nights

Take four wheel-drive vehicles deep in the gold mine (the golden

desert), to an exclusive camp site and experience first hand therichness of ancient Arab culture and heritage whilst enjoying aspecial barbecue meal under the stars.

Heritage and Culture Night

Experience a traditional evening at the mouth of the Creekwhere the buildings of Al Shindagha provide the background for an alluring glimpse into old Dubai.

Guests can immerse themselves in the traditional Bedouin and

coastal village life, which has been recreated in several of thehistorical buildings.



Experience first hand the

richness of ancient Arabculture and heritage.



6.0DUBAI:VISITOR ESSENTIALS



6.1VISITOR ESSENTIALS

Climate

The UAE has a sub-tropical, arid climate. May to September is

summer, when temperatures range between 40C and 48C.However, during the winter months, temperatures range from10C to 30C. Rainfall is predominantly in winter and amounts tosome 13 centimetres annually.

Clothing

Summer clothing may be worn for most of the year but thetemperature can drop during the winter. At the pool or on theprivate beaches, swimwear is quite acceptable, but when in thecity and public areas, care should be taken not to give offence

by wearing clothing that may be considered revealing.

Banks

Many international banks are represented by branches in Dubai.

Bank hours are 0800 ± 1300, Saturday to Wednesday and0800 ± 1200, Thursday.

Business Hours

Business: 0800 ± 1300 and 1600 ± 1930, Saturday to Thursday.Most of the multinational companies work from 0900 ± 1800 witha one hour lunch break. Government offices: 0730 ± 1430,Saturday to Wednesday. Exchange houses: 0830 ± 1300 and1630 ± 2030, Saturday to Thursday. Shopping malls: 1000 ±2200, Saturday to Wednesday and 1000 ± 2400, Thursday and

Fridays.




Language

The official language is Arabic but English is widely spoken and

understood throughout the country.

Local Time

Gulf Standard Time: + 4 hours GMT (winter), + 3 hours(summer).

Credit Cards

American Express, Diners Club, Visa, MasterCard, etc. are

generally accepted in the main hotels and shops.

Currency

The monetary unit is the Dirham (AED), which is divided into 100fils. It is fixed to the US dollar at a current rate of US$1 = Dhs 3.675.




Dubai has both Arabic and English commercial radio andtelevision stations, as well as access to international satellite

television programming.

Photography

Normal tourist photography is acceptable but like anywhere inthe world, it is courteous to ask permission before photographingpeople, especially local women.

Liquor

Alcohol is freely available in hotels, clubs, restaurants and bars.

However, many restaurants outside hotels are not permitted toserve alcoholic beverages.

Media

There are three English language newspapers published inDubai. International newspapers, magazines and journals canbe bought at bookshops and supermarkets.




Medical

Medical services in Dubai are of an international standard.

Water

The tap water in Dubai is safe to drink. But locally bottledmineral water is generally served in hotels and restaurants.

Public Holidays

Islamic holidays are based on the Hijri calendar which iscontrolled by the sighting of the moon. As a result the dates of holidays are often confirmed less than 24 hours in advance.Some of these are Eid Al Fitr (three days), Eid Al Adha (four

days), Al Hejra (one day), Mawlid Al Nabi (one day) and Al IsraWal Miraj (one day). Fixed dates on the calendar are New Year¶sDay (Jan 1) and UAE National Day (Dec 2).

Communications

The international dialling code for incoming calls is +9714. Calls

to and from land-lines within Dubai are free of charge and directdialling is possible to over 170 countries.

GPRS and WAP services are also available. A GSMinternational roaming service for mobile phones is available for over 60 countries. If your country isn¶t one of them then aservice known as ³Wasel´ is available.

Bring your phone or buy it here and purchase a SIM card(available at most supermarkets, petrol stations and hotels)

which enables you to make and receive calls from the UAE.Internet services are also available for non-subscribers fromregular phone lines.




Most restaurants include a 10% service charge, but tipping ingeneral is at the customer¶s discretion.

Electricity

The electricity supply in Dubai is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles.Standard, British square three-pin plugs are the norm in mosthotels. US-made appliances may need a transformer.

Bargaining

Bargaining is expected in the souq and is quite usual elsewhere.

Vendors will usually drop the price and often quite substantially,particularly for a cash sale.

Tipping and Gratuities

Tipping practices are similar to most other parts of the world.




Car rental companies will arrange temporary local drivinglicences for visitors.

Renters from the following countries must produce their passport, two photographs and either a valid international or national licence: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland,France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Ireland, Italy, Japan,Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK and USA.Driving is on the right hand side of the road.

Transportation

Taxis are easily obtainable in Dubai. Metered taxis are run by

Cars Taxis, Metro Taxis, National Taxis and government-ownedDubai Transport Corporation.

Dubai Municipality operates numerous bus routes throughoutthe emirate, serving the main residential and commercial areas,as well as some destinations outside the city. Many hotelsprovide regular shuttle buses that follow set routes aroundDubai.



6.2VISA INFORMATION

Visitors who are businessmen, company managers or representatives, auditors, accountants, doctors, engineers,

public sector employees, their family members and drivers andservants sponsored by them are eligible for this visa.

Citizens of Western Europe, North America and Asia Pacific

± Citizens of UK (with the right of abode in the UK), France,Italy, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece,Finland, Spain, Monaco, Vatican City, Iceland, Andorra, SanMarino, Liechtenstein, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand,Japan, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and holders of

Hong Kong SAR passports will be granted One Entry Visit Visafree of charge on arrival in the UAE.

Visas

The IEEE UAE Section will undertake to facilitate visas for all

IEEE GLOBECOM 2011 delegates. For more information,please refer to the following, which is for guidance and issubject to change.

AGCC Citizens ± Citizens of the Arab Gulf Co-operation Councilmember states (Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia)do not need a visa.

AGCC Residents ± AGCC expatriate residents may obtain anon-renewable 30-day visa upon arrival at the approved ports

of entry.



6.2VISA INFORMATION

Valid for entry within two months from date of issue. Valid for 60days and is renewable for a total stay of up to 90 days.

A fee of Dhs 500 is charged for this renewal.

To complete the application, sponsor will require the visitor¶sdate of arrival and arrival details and a photocopy of the first fewpages of the visitor¶s passport, which must be valid for at leastthree months.

Fee of Dhs 100 for obtaining a visit visa. Fee of Dhs 10 for visadelivery service by DNATA. Hotels, hotel apartments, tour operators, travel agents and airlines may not levy supplementary

charges or processing fees in excess of 50 Dhs. Holder mayenter and leave the country through any port of entry in theUAE.

The visa enables them to stay for 60 days. The visa isrenewable for a total stay of 90 days for a fee of Dhs 500.

Visit Visas

Applies to tourists who wish to spend more than 14 days inDubai, those coming for family visits as well as those onlong-term business visits.

Requires sponsorship of any UAE resident or any company or hotel licensed to operate within the UAE. A refundable Dhs2,000 guarantee from expatriates who wish to sponsor distantrelatives is imposed.



6.2VISA INFORMATION

Entitles its holder to a 30 day stay and is non-renewable.

Requires sponsorship of hotels and tour operators who bring invisitors from the above listed countries. The fee is Dhs 100.

Fee of Dhs 10 for visa delivery service by DNATA. Hotels, hotelapartments, tour operators, travel agents and airlines may notlevy supplementary charges or processing fees in excessof Dhs50.

Tourist Visas

A special category of visas under the Visit Visa type is a Tourist

Visa, which can be obtained for individual tourists from:East and West Europe, Turkey, Bulgaria, Poland, Ukraine, Albania, Russia, the Hellenic Republic, St Kitts-Nevis, St Lucia,Mexico, Cuba, Bermuda, Belize, Guyana, French Guiana,Martinique, Antigua and Barbuda, St Vincent, Kingston, Palaoother non-defined American nationalities, Thailand, South Africa,Singapore, China, Malta, Cyprus.

ieee globecom april28,08 nxpowerlite dubai2011

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