Frequently Asked Questions
General
- What is HCT?
- What are the conference costs?
- Where will I get my badge?
- Where will I get my conference pack?
- Will there be security?
- Will I be able to meet all the speakers?
- Is there a dress code for the conference?
- Will there be Internet access?
- Can I drive in the UAE using a foreign driving license? What are the requirements and regulations?
Location and travel
- Do I need a visit visa to visit the United Arab Emirates?
- Arrival in the UAE?
- What is the weather like in the UAE?
- Currency and Money?
- What is the UAE's Dress Code?
- What are the UAE's Local Customs?
- What are the main tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi?
- If I have extra days to spend in the UAE after the conference, are there any special destinations or activities to check?
General
- What is HCT?
Founded in 1988, the Higher Colleges of Technology addresses the unique educational requirements of a young, rapidly developing nation - the UAE. With 13 campuses throughout the country, the HCT has expanded rapidly while consistently maintaining a commitment to excellence, in teaching and learning, that has made the HCT a leader in education and training. The teaching staff and professional educators, who are at the forefront of their subject areas, have developed an innovative, project-driven, student-based curriculum that produces graduates who can immediately respond to the changing challenges of business, industry and government. The HCT stays abreast of new developments in technologies and learning systems to give their students the skills and attributes they need to succeed in the global work environment. We strive to develop graduates who are prepared for the future, ready for the changing needs of the workplace, and trained for a life of ongoing learning and professional success.
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- What are the conference costs?
Students are expected to fund their own travel to the UAE but while at the conference their accommodation and other associated costs will be met by HCT. There is a registration fee for non-students. This fee covers attendance at all sessions over the three day period, tea/coffee and lunch on the days of the conference, a Gala Dinner evening and an Arabian Nights evening.
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- Where will I get my badge?
Your badge will be ready for you at the registration desk on the first day of the conference.
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- Where will I get my conference pack?
Your conference pack can be picked up once you collect your badge from the registration desk.
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- Will there be security?
Yes, police and security guards will be on duty during the day. It is recommended you do not posses any sharp objects or weapons at any time during your stay.
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- Will I be able to meet all the speakers?
There will be networking opportunities during lunch and breaks.
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- Is there a dress code for the conference?
The dress code for most activities of the conference is "smart-casual". Students should not wear jeans and T-shirts. During the conference, there will be a few events, such as the gala dinner that will require semi-formal dress. Men can wear dress slacks with and shirt and tie. Women can wear dresses, although blouses, skirts and trousers are also suitable. Be sure to bring clothes that are suitable for going to the desert or exploring the countryside. Part of the program includes visits to destinations in the UAE so come prepared! Details will be posted on the website as they become available.
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- Will there be Internet access?
An Internet location will be available at the Officers Club (Hotel), for 10DHS per hour. Internet cafes are available in shopping malls and other places in the city centre. There will be no internet connection available at the venue.
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- Can I drive in the UAE using a foreign driving license? What are the requirements and regulations??
You will not need to make arrangements for transportation while attending the conference. All transportation is provided. The following is for information purposes only.
Visitors may obtain a one-month temporary license by presenting their valid foreign license, a copy of their valid UAE visa, and the required fees. Car rental agencies can usually process the request for a temporary license. The UAE recognizes driver's licenses issued by other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states only if the bearer is driving a vehicle registered in that GCC state. Under no circumstances should anyone drive without a valid license.
Drivers are advised to follow traffic rules and regulations. Committing traffic offences may result in fines and "Black Points" which, if accumulated, can result in a suspension of the driving license or even harsher penalties.
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Location and travel
- Do I need a visit visa to visit the United Arab Emirates ?
The categories given below identify whether an individual requires a visit visa before arrival or whether one can be issued at the airport or entry point.
AGCC Citizens - Citizens of the Arab Gulf Co-operation do not need a visa.
AGCC Residents - AGCC expatriate residents may obtain a non-renewable 30-day visa upon arrival.
UK Citizens - Residents of the UK with the right to abide in the United Kingdom may obtain a free 60 day, renewable visa on arrival.
33 Privileged Countries - Citizens of the following countries will be issued with a free-of-charge VISIT VISA on entry to the UAE:
UK, France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Cyprus, Finland, Malta, Spain, Monaco, Vatican, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtenstein, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong. Citizens of other countries should apply to their nearest UAE embassy .
Up-to-date information on visas is available from the UAE Immigration Services.
More information on visa can be found at these resources: here, here and here.
Should you require a visit visa to attend the conference we will make arrangements for that with you.
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- Arrival in the UAE?
Visiting students will be welcomed at the airport by a student from the HCT and then accompanied to the hotel.
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- What is the weather like in the UAE?
The weather in Abu Dhabi is coolest between November and April, but can reach up to 50 degrees Celsius (115 Fahrenheit) at other times of the year.
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- Currency and Money?
The currency of the UAE is the dirham (AED) which is divided into 100 fils. The dirham has been held constant against the US dollar since the end of 1980 at a mid-rate of approximately US$1 = AED 3.67.
All major foreign currencies and traveler's cheques may be exchanged for the UAE dirham at the many exchange booths at the airport, or in banks all around the city centre.
All major credit cards are generally accepted in the main hotels and larger shops but some retailers offer better bargains for cash.
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- What is the UAE's Dress Code?
Clothing in the UAE should be conservative and smart. Shorts, skirts, and short-sleeved shirts are quite acceptable, but with a sense of modesty and common sense. Revealing or tight fitting clothes should be avoided.
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- What are the UAE's Local Customs?
The United Arab Emirates is considered to be the most liberal part of the Persian Gulf, however is still very conservative by Western standards. This means that great offence would be shown by wearing revealing clothing or in any way showing disrespect in Mosques or other public places.
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- What are the main tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi ?
Due to its oil revenue, Abu Dhabi is considered one of the world's richest cities. From riding a camel to driving luxury cars, from shopping in the big modern shopping centers to haggling in the souk (market), from dining in five-star restaurants and hotels to camping in the desert and sampling Bedouin hospitality under the moonlight you can experience Abu Dhabi's combination of modern sophistication and Arabian charm.
Marina Shopping Mall
Abu Dhabi Break Water, End of Corniche
Abu Dhabi Shopping Mall
Tourist Club Road
Cultural Foundation
(art exhibition, library, theatre auditorium and lecture rooms)
Khalidiya Street, Abu Dhabi
Tel: +971 2 215 300
The Corniche
(nice walk at a park-lined coastal boulevard)
Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi
Heritage Village
(exhibition of the Bedouin lifestyle)
Mussafa Road, Abu Dhabi
Souk
(traditional market)
City Centre, Abu Dhabi
Breakwater
(a unique place to watch the sunset and experience some local food)
Opposite Abu Dhabi Corniche, Abu Dhabi.
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- If I have extra days to spend in the UAE after the conference, are there any special destinations or activities to check?
Yes. After spending 3 days in the beautiful capital Abu Dhabi, you might want to spend some time in the vibrant city of Dubai.
Dubai is the second largest Emirate, and is one of the liveliest cities of the world, with activities happening around the clock.
You can visit the famous Burj Al Arab, try skiing at the Mall of the Emirates, tour olds souks.
and shop at some of the best shopping malls of the world, such as Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Batuta, Wafi Center, Burjuman... just to name a few.
During your stay 2 exhibitions are taking place in Dubai, so you might want to check that out as well:
Sign & Graphic Imaging Middle East 2007
Starts : 27-February-2007
Ends : 1-March-2007
Activities: Trade Exhibition
Venue: Halls 2, 3 & 4 (DWTC)
Contact: iec@emirates.net.ae/ www.iecdubai.com
Dubai International Jazz Festival 2007
Starts : 1-March-2007
Ends : 9-March-2007
Activities: Jazz Festival
Venue: Dubai Media City
Contact: info@chilloutproductions.com
On another note, you might wish to remain in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, but visit its Oasis, Al Ain.
Al Ain is home to the Founder of the UAE Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, thus it incorporates several old palaces now open as museums for the public.
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