About Dubai
Emirate of Dubai, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is located on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf and is renowned for its opulent shopping, cutting-edge architecture, and vibrant nightlife. The Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest structure, and the Museum of The Future, the world’s most beautiful building, are both located within 3 hours’ drive from most regions of the Middle East, the Near East, and the Indian subcontinent. It is only 5 hours away from Europe.
Venue
The Conference will take place at Westford University College, Al Zahia Campus, Sharjah, UAE. All the presentations & poster sessions, speakers talk, lunch and coffee will be at this location only.
Visa
Please note that you must obtain the visa in good time. If you need a letter of invitation, please write us on igbconference@gmail.com
Dubai Tourist Visas are available to all nationalities, except Israeli passport holders, and must be prearranged, usually through a hotel but possibly also through an airline or other travel related company (new visa rules after July 2008). Hotels, travel agents, airlines and other companies will usually only arrange a Tourist Visa for a customer. Citizens of one of the free visa on arrival countries ( see the list below) can obtain a UAE Visit Visa (different from a Tourist Visa) on arrival at any border entry point to the UAE simply by presenting their passport at passport control. To obtain a tourist visa for Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, our best understanding is you should do one of the following:
- If you’re from one of the countries that can get a visit visa on arrival, do that.
- Otherwise contact the airline, hotel, or travel agent that you arranged your trip with and ask them to arrange a Tourist Visa. Fees will vary from one company to the next so check with more than one if you have a choice of options. Only travel agents and hotels based in the UAE can arrange a tourist visa.
- If you have a close relative in the UAE, they may be able to sponsor you for a Visit Visa (not a Tourist Visa).
Free Visit Visa on arrival nationalities (valid for 30 days)
Visit visas can be obtained on arrival in Dubai and UAE if you are a national of one of the 33 (or 34 or 36) countries in the following table. No prior arrangements need to be made and the visa stamp is free when arriving at Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi Airport, or other airports. You might have to pay 20 or 30 dhs at UAE land borders. Nationals of these countries can also get their UAE visas renewed more easily, for example by driving to Oman and back (but confirm you can get an Omani visa at the border first).
| Australia Austria Belgium Brunei Canada Cyprus Denmark Finland France Germany Greece Holland (Netherlands) | Hong Kong Iceland Ireland Italy Japan Liechtenstein Luxembourg Malta Malaysia Monaco Netherlands (Holland) New Zealand | Norway Paraguay Portugal San Marino Singapore South Korea Spain Sweden Switzerland United Kingdom United States Vatican City |
- Malta unconfirmed if included or not, is not on 33 country list on DNRD website (last checked 20 January 2010).
- Paraguay was not in the original list of countries but was seen in a list published by the Gulf News (a UAE newspaper) on 25 December 2006. Is not on DNRD website 33 country list (last checked 20 January 2010).
- Included in list published by Gulf News 20 January 2010 but not in DNRD website list of countries (last checked 20 January 2010).
Visa on arrival for AGCC / GCC residents
Resident visa holders in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia) of any nationality might be able to obtain a visit visa on arrival in the UAE. Confirm with an airline, UAE embassy, or UAE immigration department before travelling though, information about this type of visa seems to be sketchy (possibly to allow passport control officers more flexibility in admitting or rejecting travellers when they arrive in the UAE).
- Visitors should be of a higher-level profession (doctor, engineer, professor, teacher, lawyer, manager, etc).
- Valid passport with valid GCC residence stamp is required, along with proof of employment in the country of residence (residence stamp in passport might be sufficient, or bring labour card / letter from employer stating job title).
- Visa fee is apparently AED 100 but some reports of visitors paying up to AED 200 as an entry fee. Probably renewable once for AED 500-600 (some sources say not renewable but that might be old information).
Exclusive Tours
Conference Agenda
- 20th December – Full day Conference from 10 am-6pm
- 21th-23rd December – Tentative tours for the Dubai city, Desert safari, Abu Dhabi city tour.
Packages (Tentative)
| S. No. | Dubai City Tour inclusions | Dubai Desert Safari Tour inclusions | Abu Dhabi City tour inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
Zabeel Palace photo stop |
Desert Safari and/or Dune Bashing for 10-30 minutes |
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque |
|
2. |
Photo stop at the Museum of The Future |
Sun set photography stop |
Abu Dhabi’s Date Market |
|
3. |
Photo stop at Dubai Frame |
Sand Boarding (Sand Ski) |
Visit to Heritage Village |
|
4. |
Visit to Al Bastakiya Quarter |
Camel Rides |
Photo stop at the Etihad Towers |
|
5. |
Abra Ride across Dubai Creek (optional) |
Small Henna Tattoo |
Photo stop at the Emirates palace |
|
6. |
Spice Souk and Gold Souk visit |
Belly Dancing |
Photo stop to the Abu Dhabi Corniche |
|
7. |
Drive through Jumeirah Mosque and Etihad Museum |
Fire show and Tanura show |
Photo stop to Louvre Abu Dhabi |
|
8. |
Passing by Burj Al Arab and madinat jumeirah |
Ayala Dance |
Photo stop to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi |
|
9. |
Photo stop to view JBR skyline from Palm Jumeirah |
Animal Show |
Islamic Art Museum |
|
10. |
Photo stop at Dubai Marina Walk & Yacht club |
Buffet Dinner and B.B.Q (vegetarian food is also available) |
.................. |
|
11. |
Visit Dubai Mall and see Waterfalls, Dubai Aquarium Glass Window |
............. |
............... |
|
12. |
Dubai Fountain Show |
........... |
........... |
Sightseeing in Dubai
Gold Souk
The Gold Souk in Dubai is a traditional market located in the heart of Dubai’s commercial district in Deira. It is one of the most famous gold markets in the world, with over 300 retailers offering a dazzling array of gold, platinum, diamonds, and other precious gems. The market is known for its competitive prices and wide variety of designs, from traditional Arabic jewelry to modern, contemporary pieces.
The Jumeirah Beach
Jumeirah Beach is a pristine stretch of sandy coastline along the Persian Gulf, renowned for its white sands and clear turquoise waters. This popular public beach offers a range of activities including swimming, sunbathing, water sports, and picnicking. The beach is lined with luxurious hotels, restaurants, and cafes, providing stunning views of the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel.
Palm Islands
Palm Jumeirah is one of three man-made palm-shaped islands off the coast of Dubai. Known as the world’s largest artificial island, it features a distinctive palm tree design with a trunk, 17 fronds, and a surrounding crescent. This engineering marvel is home to luxury villas, hotels, resorts, and a variety of leisure and retail facilities, making it a prime destination for both residents and tourists.
Atlantis The Palm
Atlantis The Palm is a majestic five-star hotel located on the apex of the Palm Jumeirah. Inspired by the mythical Atlantis, the resort boasts 1,548 rooms and suites, and offers a host of attractions including Aquaventure Waterpark, The Lost Chambers Aquarium, and a variety of world-class restaurants and bars. Its marine and waterpark attractions provide an unforgettable experience for families and thrill-seekers alike.
Dubai Marina
Dubai Marina is an affluent residential neighborhood known for its impressive skyline of high-rise buildings, luxurious hotels, and the bustling Marina Walk. This man-made canal city stretches along 3 kilometers of the Persian Gulf shoreline, offering a range of dining, entertainment, and shopping options. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, take a yacht tour, or dine at one of the many international restaurants.
The Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world, standing at an astonishing 828 meters (2,717 feet) tall. Located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, this iconic skyscraper features observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the city and beyond. The Burj Khalifa is also home to luxurious residences, corporate suites, and the prestigious Armani Hotel.
Global Village Dubailand, Dubai
Global Village is a large multicultural theme park and shopping destination located in Dubailand. Open seasonally from October to April, it features pavilions representing over 90 countries, each offering unique cultural experiences, traditional crafts, and cuisines. Visitors can enjoy live performances, funfair rides, and a variety of international foods, making it a family-friendly destination for entertainment and cultural exploration.
Desert Safari at Lehbab Desert
A desert safari at Lehbab Desert offers an exhilarating adventure in the golden sands of Dubai. Known for its towering red dunes, Lehbab provides the perfect setting for a range of activities such as dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, and quad biking. The safari experience typically includes a traditional Bedouin-style camp where visitors can enjoy a barbecue dinner, henna painting, falconry displays, and live entertainment like belly dancing and Tanoura shows.
