Language
The official language of UAE is Arabic with English spoken as the business language. The official language of the congress will be English.

Time
Time in UAE is 4 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +0400).

Electricity
Electricity supply in UAE is 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz. Square three-pin plugs are widespread.

Climate
Dubai has a sub tropical arid climate.  During March, temperatures range from a low of 25ºC (73ºF) to a high of 34ºC (92ºF). The United Arab Emirates is an Islamic country and it is therefore recommended that visitors dress modestly. Compared with certain parts of the Middle East, Dubai has a very relaxed dress code. At the pool or on the beaches, trunks, swim-suits and bikinis are quite acceptable. Good quality sunglasses are advised, and photo-chromatic lenses for those who wear spectacles. Hats or some protection for the head are advisable when in direct sunlight.

Cuisine
Gulf food is, of course, very similar to Lebanese and other Arab cuisine, however there are some variations. Dubai boasts a variety of international menus ranging from Far East to Western cuisines. 

Shopping
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 shopping. The result is a thrilling mix of old and new where the very latest twenty-first century retail delights co-exist with ancient family run businesses that trade as they have done for centuries.

Office Hours
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.

Transportation – Roads
There are good tarmac roads running throughout the city and between Emirates. Traffic drives on the right and the speed limits are indicated at all roads.  Almost all areas of the city are linked by bus service.  However, most hotels run their own scheduled bus services to the city centre and beach resorts.

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 passport and either a valid international or national license are necessary. International Driving Permit is legally required. A local driving license may also be issued on presentation of a valid national driving license, two photos and a passport.

Restrictions:
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. 

The following items may be imported into the United Arab Emirates without incurring customs duty:

• 400 cigarettes and cigars up to AED3000 in value (for personal use)
• 2kg of tobacco
• 4L of spirits or 24 cans of beer (non-Muslims over 18 years only)
• A reasonable amount of perfume for personal use

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.

Liability
The Organizing Committee will not be liable for personal accidents, losses or damage to private property of registered delegates of the congress. The delegates should make their own arrangements with respect to personal insurance.

Disclaimer
The Organizing Committee will take all the required measures and attempts to ensure that all features of the Congress mentioned will take effect as scheduled. Nevertheless the Organizing Committee reserves the right to make last minute changes if the situation requires.