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UAE Entry Visas Visitors holding the following passports DO NOT require an entry visa prior to arrival and can obtain their entry permit on arrival at the passport control counter at Dubai International Airport: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, GCC Countries, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, USA, Vatican City. All other nationalities must apply for a visa prior to arrival through a registered company, hotel or local UAE consulate. If you require a visa, please coordinate directly with your selected hotel or the travel agent coordinating your travel. The headquarter hotels (InterContinental and Crown Plaza Festival City) offer visa services that organize visas for confirmed guest. Download headquarter hotels visa application form Discounted Airfare The meeting’s official airline carrier is Emirates, Dubai’s award winning airline offering daily direct flights to Dubai from more than 100 cities worldwide. Registrants will receive a promotional code in their registration confirmation email to book discounted flights from any destination Emirates flies worldwide. About Dubai Dubai is the region's commercial and tourism center and connected to all international markets. Dubai is also the regional trading hub and gateway to the rest of the Middle East. Dubai's diversity means that visitors can enjoy a whole range of different experiences. From the beautiful undulating desert sands to the bustling downtown areas, to parks and gardens, Dubai is a city of adventure, contrast, discovery and surprise. What follows is a variety of useful information in preparation for your visit to Dubai. Language The official language of the country is Arabic, although English is the official business language. English is widely used and most road and shop signs, restaurant menus, etc. are in both languages. Culture Dubai’s culture is firmly rooted in the Islamic traditions of Arabia. However Dubai is very tolerant of the customs of its visitors and is relatively liberal when it comes to European dress codes and serving alcohol in hotels. Among the most highly prized virtues are courtesy and hospitality, visitors are sure to be charmed by the genuine warmth and friendliness of the people. Geography The second largest of the 7 emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is located on the southern shore of the Arabian Gulf. It has an area of some 3,900 square kilometers. Outside the city itself, the emirate is sparsely inhabited and characterized by desert vegetation. Climate Dubai has a sub-tropical, arid climate. Sunny, blue skies can be expected most of the year. Rainfall is infrequent and irregular, falling mainly in winter. The mean daily temperature in early May ranges from a minimum of 24°C/75.2°F to a maximum of 35°C/95°F. Economy Oil contributes just 20 per cent of economic production. Trading, manufacturing and services - including tourism - now dominate the economy. Currency The national currency for the UAE is Dirham (AED), which is linked to the US dollar at the rate of 3.67 AED per USD. It’s best to convert currency at the airport upon arrival as the official rates will apply, or at any bank branch location throughout the many malls and shopping areas in the city. Hotels usually have unfavorable exchange rates. Clothing Lightweight summer clothing is advised. Compared with other parts of the Middle East, Dubai has a very relaxed dress code. At pools or beaches, trunks, swimsuits and bikinis are quite acceptable. Electricity 220 V. Hotels typically provide adaptors in guest rooms, or have them available at the concierge. Shopping A shopper’s paradise, Dubai is ranked the world’s second most popular destination for shopping after the United States and ahead of popular shopping destinations like Singapore, France, UK, and Hong Kong among others. From souk to shopping malls, Dubai has it all - duty free, gold, electronics, textiles, cars, etc. Prices are competitive in many products from gold to carpets, textiles or designer labels. The key to Dubai shopping is to bargain where possible since prices, especially in the souks, can drop quite substantially. Dubai Festival City (meeting venue) is attached to a shopping mall with many restaurants, shops, and entertainment. The world-famous Dubai Gold Souk is only a 10 min taxi ride away. Souks Souks are the Arabic markets where any kind of goods are bought, sold and exchanged. Over the years, the items on sale have changed dramatically from spices, silks and perfumes to include electronic goods and the latest kitsch consumer trends. Food Dubai offers pretty much every type of international cuisine imaginable. Whilst restaurants located in hotels are able to offer a five star service they can be expensive - some of the best places to eat are the small street side stands around town. Nightlife Dubai has numerous cinemas, cafes, bars, nightclubs and discos to suit all tastes and ages. There are a number of local magazines available from newsagents listing details of the above facilities. Alcohol Alcohol is available in hotel and club restaurants and bars. However, restaurants outside hotels are not permitted to serve alcoholic beverages. Tours & Sightseeing A visit to Dubai would not be complete without exploring the exciting variety of activities this unique city has to offer. An organized tour can be a great way to discover town, however most require a minimum of 4 people for the tour to run and require a 3-4 day advance reservation. DSM has arranged for various group tour packages for delegates and accompanying persons. For tour details and booking, please refer to the Tours section. |
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