FIATA World Congress 2007

GENERAL INFORMATION <br>VISA <br>1.Visa on arrival <br>The following 33 nationalities are granted visa on arrival: Germany, Japanese, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Finland, South Korea, Spain, Monaco, Vatican, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtenstein, British, Brunei, UK overseas Passport Holders born in Hong Kong. <br> <br> <br>2.Visa application prior to arrival <br>All nationalities other than the above 33 nationalities are required to apply and obtain a visa prior to arrival in the UAE. <br> <br> <br>3.Procedure to apply for a visa <br>a. Please provide your complete passport details and attach a clear copy of the first three pages of your passport and forward to the congress organizer on below address: <br>Tel: +971 4 3419177, Fax: +971 4 3419178 <br>Email: FIATA2007@mci-group.com <br>b. If more than one person is travelling on one passport (e.g. Parent and child under 12 yrs), please clearly specify on the form under "Special Request ", providing the name of the child and date of birth. (Visa will be charged per passport only i.e. for the parent only, the child is free.) <br>c. Once the visa is approved, a copy will be faxed or emailed to you. <br>d. The visa copy must be presented to immigration on arrival. <br> <br> <br>SPECIAL NOTES: <br>1. The passport should be valid for 3 months or more prior to the date of travel. <br>2. Visa is valid for one single entry only. <br>3. Visa is valid for 30 days stay and is not extendable. <br>4. Visa is valid for entry into the country for 60 days from the date of issue of visa. <br>5. Visa will only be issued 30 days prior to the arrival and faxed or emailed to you. <br>6. Acknowledgement of receipt of the visa copy is mandatory. <br>7. Working days in UAE are from Sunday to Thursday. (Friday/ Saturday is the weekend). <br>8. All relevant visa documents are required to be sent to MCI Middle East LLC a minimum of 12 weeks in advance to ensure a smooth processing of the visa. <br>9. Visa fees are payable in full in advance and if rejected by immigration authorities, the amount is non-refundable. <br>10. All visas are valid for arrival and departure at Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah airport. <br> <br> <br>CURRENCY <br>One UAE Dirham (1 AED) = 100 fils. Notes are in denominations of AED 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of AED 1, and 50, 25, 10 and 5 fils (10 and 5 fils coins are rarely used). <br> <br> <br>CUSTOMS / DUTY FREE <br>The import and export of both local and foreign currency are limited to AED 40,000 or equivalent. Amounts over this must be declared at the Customs Counter at Dubai International Airport. <br>The following items may be imported into the United Arab Emirates without incurring customs duty: <br>• 400 cigarettes and cigars up to AED 3000 in value (for personal use) <br>• 2kg of tobacco <br>• 4L of spirits or 24 cans of beer (non-Muslims over 18 years only) <br>• A reasonable amount of perfume for personal use <br>Note: It is prohibited to bring alcohol into Sharjah and usually not allowed if entering the UAE by land. Other prohibited items include firearms and dangerous weapons, religious propaganda, unstrung pearls except for personal use, raw seafood (only when visiting Dubai and/or Sharjah), fruit and vegetables from cholera-infected areas. <br> <br> <br>TIME <br>Time in UAE is 4 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) + 4. <br> <br> <br>ELECTRICITY <br>Electricity supply in UAE is 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz. Square three-pin plugs are widespread. <br> <br> <br>CLIMATE <br>Dubai has a sub tropical arid climate. During the summer months from May to October the weather is hot and humid. From Mid October there is normally a change in the temperature and begins to get a little cooler. The United Arab Emirates is an Islamic country and it is therefore recommended that visitors dress modestly. <br> <br> <br>CUISINE <br>Gulf food is, of course, very similar to Lebanese and other Arab cuisine, however there are some variations. Dubai boasts a variety of international food ranging from branded to local restaurants <br> <br> <br>SHOPPING <br>Shopping is something of a national past time in the UAE and one of the major attractions for visitors. From glitzy state-of-the-art malls, where all international brands are available, to traditional and authentic products at local souks (markets), Dubai is a paradise to shoppers. <br> <br> <br>TRANSPORTATION - ROADS <br>An efficient system of roads and highways run throughout the city and between the Emirates. Traffic drives on the right and the speed limits are indicated on all roads. Many travellers find taxis to be the quickest and most convenient method of travel. For car rentals, most international car hire companies have offices at airports or hotels. A valid international driving licence, as well as a national licence and passport are required by law for car rental. Exception: AGCC licence holders only. <br> <br> <br>OFFICE HOURS <br>Government offices work from 0730 to 1500 hours. Private sector offices generally work from 0800 to 1800 hours. The weekend starts on Friday and continues through Saturday. <br>