Jumeirah at Etihad Towers |P.O. Box 111929 |Abu Dhabi |United Arab Emirates |www.jumeirah.com|

Tel: +971 2 811 5555| Fax: +971 2 811 5588 | JADinfo@jumeirah.com

Anne-Lise Gilson |Events Officer, UITP |Tel: + 32 2 661 31 81 |Fax: +32 2 660 10 72 |anne-lise.gilson@uitp.org

Showcase

Jean-Frédéric Charles |Exhibition Assistant, UITP |Tel: + 32 2 788 01 20 |Fax: +32 2 660 10 72 |jeanfrederic.charles@uitp.org

Abu Dhabi Department of Transport |Abdulla Mehairbi | abdulla.almehairbi@dot.abudhabi.ae copying Anju Gomes | anju.gomes@uitp.org | UITP MENA Regional Office

MENA Congress: Susanne Stölting | susanne.stolting@uitp.org | Tel: +32 2 663 66 52 | Fax: +32 2 660 10 72

Taxi Conference: Kaan Yildizgoz | kaan.yildizgoz@uitp.org | Tel: +90 212 569 5786 | Fax: +90 212 56 89 956

Abu Dhabi Department of Transport |P.O. Box 20 |Abu Dhabi |United Arab Emirates | www.dot.abudhabi.ae

Visitor Information

Climat - The UAE has a sub-tropical, arid climate. May to September is summer, when temperatures range between 40C and 48C. However, during the winter months From October to April, temperatures range from 10C to 30C. Rainfall is predominantly in winter and amounts to some 13cm annually.

Clothing  - Summer clothing may be worn for most of the year but the temperature can drop during the winter. When in the city and public areas, care should be taken not to give offence by wearing clothing that may be considered revealing.

Currency - The monetary unit is the Dirham (AED or Dhs), which is divided into 100 fils. It is fixed to the US dollar at a current rate of US$1 = Dhs3.675.

Language - The official language is Arabic but English is widely spoken and understood throughout the country.

Local Time - Gulf Standard Time: + 4 hours GMT

Religion - Islam is the official religion of the UAE, which is widely practised by Emirati nationals as well as expatriates originating from other Arab countries, Pakistan, Africa and India, amongst others. Abu Dhabi, as is the entire UAE, is tolerant of other religions. Residents and visitors who profess a different faith are allowed to perform their religious duties such as attending worship services or mass in churches or chapels.

Shopping & Souvenirs

If you are looking for gold jewellery and/or exotic Persian carpets and other handicrafts, Abu Dhabi’s souks might offer you the best deal (so long you have good negotiating skills). For shoppers of luxury items, the absence of sales tax or any other type of taxes is an excellent incentive to buy. We also suggest you try the local dates products (fresh, baked or preserved), which are simply irresistible.

Tipping - Tipping is not expected, but is commonly practised in the emirate. Gratuities to staff at hotels are at your discretion. Most restaurants add service charges to the bill (16 %). If this charge is not included, add 10% to the total of the bill. Taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped.

Transportation

It depends on how much time you have to stay or to explore the city. If you’re staying just for the duration of the Congress you could opt to join one of the organised tours that include transportation to and from the places you would like to visit. If you’re staying for a bit longer, you may utilise the taxi services as long as you are able to speak English and remember the landmark structures within the vicinity of your destinations or your hotel. For unknown reasons, most Abu Dhabi residents particularly taxi drivers are more conversant with landmarks and building names rather than with street or building numbers. Renting a car is also an option for those with an international driving license. Otherwise, the bus network that plies the emirate is very efficient.

To travel around the city, there are four major means of transportation available; taxi, bus, tour, and rental cars or private cars. There is a good network of roads in the city and hardly any major traffic jams issues even in peak time. Modern bus transportation is available at all major places 24 hours.