Questions you might have prior to traveling to the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E).

If you have any other questions that we have not answered below please email wagl@zu.ac.ae and we will get back to you within 48 hours.

United Arab Emirates Information

•  Is it safe?

•  I am a woman. How will I be treated there?

•  I don’t speak Arabic; will I be able to communicate?

•  What about money?

•  What is the time zone?

•  What is the electricity voltage?

•  What is the international dialing code in the U.A.E.?

•  Will I be able to use my mobile phone in the U.A.E?

•  Will I be able to use Skype in the U.A.E?

Climate

•  What will the weather be like in March?

Clothing

•  How should I dress?

•  What clothing should I pack?

•  What clothing should I not pack?

Medical Information

•  Do I need any special immunizations?

•  Traveling with medication? What and what NOT to bring.

•  Is the food and water safe to eat and drink?

Photography

•  Is there any restrictions taking photographs in the U.A.E.?

Conference Information

•  What is the conference like?

•  Will I save money by registering early?

•  Can someone attend the conference without staying at the specified hotels?

•  Will we have e-mail / internet access?

Things to do in Abu Dhabi

•  If I attend the conference, I’d like to stay a few extra days. What is there to do in the U.A.E?

•  Are there shopping malls for me to visit in the Abu Dhabi or Dubai?

Travel Information and Getting Around

•  Who is responsible for making my fight bookings to the conference?

•  What if something goes wrong – my flight is delayed, no one meets me at the airport, I twist an ankle, etc. who do I call?

•  How long does it take to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?

•  When we arrive how do we get to our hotel?

•  How do we get from our hotel to the conference venue and activity venues?

•  How far is our the conference hotel from the conference venue?

•  How far is our the conference hotel from Abu Dhabi city centre?

•  How far is our the conference hotel from Dubai city centre?

•  What type of public transportation is there to get around?

United Arab Emirates Information

Is it safe?
Despite recent changes in other parts of the Middle East, the U.A.E. has been shielded from a lot of these issues and remains one of the safest places in the world to visit. In fact, it has been designated the world’s safest holiday destination by the international travel industry on two occasions. The U.A.E. prides itself on having one of the lowest crime rates in the world with no personal danger to residents or visitors. Although the Middle East is commonly perceived to be extremely volatile, to date there have been no terrorist incidents in the U.A.E. Nevertheless, we would recommend that you refer to your local foreign office website for up to date travel information about the U.A.E. and it is a good idea to take out travel insurance and to take the normal precautions to safeguard yourself and your valuables.
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I am a woman. How will I be treated there?
The role of women in the U.A.E. has advanced greatly in recent years, making the U.A.E. a leader in women's rights in the Arab world. Women make up about 70% of the college and university population, and their participation in the workforce has quadrupled between 1980 and 1990 (about 25% currently). Emiratis continue to place a strong emphasis on traditional family and home values, but the government actively encourages women to enter the workforce as well. One point of interest – public harassment of women is frowned upon so much that police will often arrest the violator and publish their photograph in local newspapers!
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I don’t speak Arabic; will I be able to communicate?
Ma fi mushkillah! No Problem! Although Arabic is the official language in the U.A.E., English is commonly used as the business language. All road signs and directions are written in English and Arabic.
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What about money?
The official currency of the U.A.E. is the dirham (pronounced dir-ham). Dirham notes are in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 denominations. The dirham is divided into 100 fils, coins include Dhs 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 fils.

The US dollar and the U.A.E dirham have a fixed exchange rate. The rate is USD $ 1 = Dhs 3.67. All other currencies are as per daily exchange rates. Most of the shops in the shopping malls and hotels accept major credit cards (Visa and MasterCard), but for buying souvenirs in smaller shops, light lunches or snacks, and in taxi’s you will need to have local currency on hand.
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What is the time zone?
The U.A.E. is four hours ahead of GMT. The time does not change during the summer. This means that there is a three hour time difference between the U.K and the U.A.E. in the summer and four hour difference in the winter.
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What is the electricity voltage?
Voltage in the U.A.E. is 220 volts. Electrical sockets are suitable for three-pin 13 amp plugs of British standard design. It is a good idea to bring an adaptor with you.
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What is the international dialing code in the U.A.E?
The international dialing code for the U.A.E. is + 971
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Will I be able to use my mobile phone in the U.A.E?
If you enroll in an international roaming service with your service provider in your home country and if your service provider has an existing international roaming service agreement with Etisalat or Du (U.A.E telecom companies), you can conveniently make calls using your own mobile phone while in Abu Dhabi.

You can also purchase a local pre paid SIM cards when you arrive at the airport in the U.A.E.
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Will I be able to use Skype in the U.A.E?
Yes, as long as you have downloaded the software to your computer prior to travelling to the U.A.E.
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Climate

What will the weather be like in March?
Warm and sunny. The average daytime temperature in March is 29⁰ Celsius (84⁰ Fahrenheit). Bring a sweater along with your sunglasses and sunscreen, though, since evenings may dip down below 20⁰ C (68⁰ F). Rainfall is rare in the U.A.E averaging about 120mm (4.7 inches) per year. About ⅓ of this, on average, falls in March.
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Clothing

How should I dress? Will I have to wear a head scarf?
You will not have to wear a head scarf. Most Emirati women wear the traditional black abaya (a long enveloping robe) and a shayla (a black head scarf. Emirati men wear the dishdasha (a white, loose-fitting garment) that is comfortable in hot weather. There is no requirement to do so, but most Emiratis choose to continue their cultural traditions by wearing “national costume”. Foreign residents and visitors dress in a wide variety of styles, from Indian saris to Western business suits to T-shirts and jeans. Just use common sense and you will fit right in. Business casual is the expected attire for conference activities.

Should you wish to visit a mosque, women will be asked to respect Muslim tradition and wear an abaya and cover their heads. Often, this will be provided at the mosque.
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What clothing should I pack?
At the conference you will be comfortable in business casual attire. Visitors are free to dress according to their personal choice but it is recommended to dress sensibly. Lightweight summer clothing is ideal with a wrap, sweater or jacket for cooler winter nights and air- conditioned premises. Some things you may want to bring include a camera, a journal or notebook, business cards, a travel adaptor, and address book (to write down details of all the new contacts you make), a few pictures from home to share with new international friends who want to see where you come from.
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What clothing should I NOT pack?
Visitors are free to dress according to their personal choice but it is recommended to dress sensibly. In public venues women should not wear short, tight or revealing skirts, shorts, tank tops and should keep their shoulders and knees covered as a sign of respect to the local culture.
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Medical Information

Will I get sick? Do I need any special immunizations?
Probably not, and no. Nevertheless, it would be wise to check beforehand with your local doctor if you are travelling from a health-risk area. Remarkably, the U.A.E was one of only two countries with no reported cases of holiday illnesses in a survey by the leading British travel magazine, Holiday Which? No special immunizations are required. The climate is great and cleanliness standards are very high in restaurants and hotels.
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Traveling with medication? What and what NOT to bring.
Narcotics are illegal in the U.A.E. with a zero tolerance for any person travelling with such items.

If you take prescription medication, make sure you have enough to last the duration of the trip, including extra medicine in case you are delayed.  Pack your medication in your carry-on bag, since checked baggage is occasionally lost.  Always carry your prescriptions in their labeled containers, not in a pill pack.

Codine is an illegal / banned substance in the U.A.E. Codine is contained in many headache medications, such as co-codamol. Please ensure you check with your pharmacist prior to travelling that your medication does not include this substance.
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Is the food and water safe to eat and drink?
Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat (except pork), poultry and fish are widely available in the U.A.E.  Whilst the tap water in the U.A.E is desalinated and safe to drink the majority of people living in here drink bottled water that is easily available everywhere.
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Photography

Is there any restrictions taking photographs in the U.A.E.?
Photography is not permitted in mosques or at military installations. If you would like to take a photo of a Middle Eastern person, especially a woman, ask permission first.
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Conference Information

What is the conference like?
The keynote speakers are globally recognised female and male world leaders. The first day will consist of mostly of keynote speeches and panel discussion. Days two and three will offer a number of breakout sessions, with each session offering a variety of topics to choose from. These options will be interactive workshops, panel discussions, lectures and presentations of research and field work covering a variety of topics and countries. There will also be institutions and companies exhibiting throughout all conference days for you to interact with. Lunch will be included daily.

It is a very busy conference, packed with interesting and informative sessions and networking activities! You will meet delegates (mostly young female women) from all over the world. If you would like to do some additional site seeing or other holiday activities, you may wish to consider extending your stay a couple of days.
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Will I save money by registering early?
No. There is no discount for early registration, as the fee has already been heavily subsidized for all participants. However, early registration guarantees you a space in what we expect will be a very popular conference in 2012.
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Can someone attend the conference without staying at the specified hotels?
Yes, but the registration fee remains the same and you will be responsible for your own general transportation to and from the airport, the conference and conference events.
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Will we have e-mail / internet access?
Yes, Complimentary internet access will be available at the conference venue. Internet access will be available through your hotel, for a charge at your own expense. There are also local internet cafes and some coffee shops (e.g. Starbucks) that have internet access available it you have a wireless modem.
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Things to do in Abu Dhabi

If I attend the conference, I’d like to stay a few extra days. What is there to do in the U.A.E?
There is a lot to do in the U.A.E some of these activities include – visit another emirate such as Dubai, beach sports, 4WD dune bashing, camel races, water parks, Ferrari World, shopping in the souks and malls, carpet shopping, archeological sites, horseback riding, desert safaris, museums, fine dining, zoo’s, scuba diving, go karts, sand skiing, bowling, ice skating, dhow tours, golfing, art exhibitions, cinema and much more. Sound fun?
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Are there shopping malls for me to visit in the Abu Dhabi or Dubai?
Shopping is something of a national pastime in the U.A.E., perhaps because it’s so diverse – everything from ultra-modern malls with the latest brands, to small, souk-like outlets where you can buy traditional perfumes, handicrafts, spices and carpets. Shops open at around 10am - 10pm on weekdays (Sunday – Thursday) or later on weekends (Friday – Saturday). Although most malls work straight through, some independent shops close for an extended lunch break, usually from 1pm - 4pm.  Some of the shopping malls & souks you may wish to visit in Abu Dhabi or Dubai are:-

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Travel Information and Getting Around

Who is responsible for making my flight bookings to the conference?
It is your own responsibility to make and pay for your individual return flight bookings to the conference. We would recommend you make your flight bookings early to receive the best fares available to you via your travel booking agent.
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What if something goes wrong – my flight is delayed, I twist an ankle, etc. who do I call?
We will have emergency contact numbers that will be available closer to the conference date. These contact numbers will be included in your final itinerary prior to departing your home destination.
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How long does it take to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
The distance between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is close to 170km. Travel time by car is between 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic.
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When we arrive how do we get to our hotel?
You will be required to make your own travel arrangement to your confirmed hotel upon arrival and departure from Abu Dhabi or Dubai airport. This will be at your own expense

Taxi is the best option to travel to and from your hotel. Taxi costs are calculated by a meter and will only accept cash payments in U.A.E. local currency (Dirham’s). Credit cards are not accepted in taxis in the U.A.E.

Airport Taxi Fares to Abu Dhabi (each way)

Abu Dhabi Airport to Abu Dhabi City    Dhs 75.00 – Dhs 100.00 (US $21 – US $27)

Dubai Airport to Abu Dhabi City    Dhs 250.00 – Dhs 300.00 (US $68 – US $82)
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How do we get from our hotel to the conference venue and dinner venues?
If you are staying at one of the designated conference hotel Zayed University will provide you with bus transfer to and from all conference activities.

If you are not staying at one of the designated conference hotels you will be required to make your own arrangements to and from conference activities. This will be at your own expense.
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How far are the conference hotels from the conference venue?
The designated conference hotels are all located on Yas Island which is approximately a 20 minute drive from the conference venue at Zayed University new campus in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi.
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How far is our conference hotel from Abu Dhabi city centre?
The designated conference hotels are all located on Yas Island which is approximately a 30 minute drive to Abu Dhabi city centre. Taxi fare each way would cost approximately

Dhs 75.00 – Dhs 100.00 (US $21 – US $27).
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How far is our conference hotel from Dubai city centre?
The designated conference hotels are all located on Yas Island which is approximately a 1 to 2 hour drive to Dubai city centre. Taxi fare each way would cost approximately Dhs 250.00 – Dhs 300.00 (US $68 – US $82).
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What type of public transportation is there to get around?
Taxi’s – this is the most common form of public transport used in the U.A.E.

Please refer to the following website for more information
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Buses - the bus service runs daily from 5am to midnight during the week (Sunday – Thursday) and until 2am on the weekend (Friday and Saturday). Various fares make the public transport affordable and comfortable. Approximate cost per trip is Dhs 2 (US $0.60). Please refer to the following website for more information { Top }

www.ojra.ae

Buses - Abu Dhabi to Dubai

Buses to Dubai cost 20 Dhs each way (or 40 Dhs for new luxury bus). These buses leave from the central bus station in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai and take about 2.5 hours. { Top }

The Big Bus Tour – On of the best ways to get around any city is “The Big Bus Tour” which operates in Abu Dhabi on a daily basis and is available to collect from Yas Marina Circuit which is located about 5 minutes from designated conference hotels.

Please refer to the following website for more information

www.bigbustours.com

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