• Register Online: All attendees will need to register online. Registration will be open soon. 
• Check if applying for a visa in advance is required. Click this link for full details.
• Book your hotel accommodation.
• Know more about the country 

This is a non-residential conference. Hotel accommodation is not included in your registration fee. 

SPE has negotiated a discounted room rate with Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche for this symposium which you can book your stay directly with the hotel. 

Please note that this discounted room rates are subject to hotel room availability. 

Rooms are available for booking at the below discounted rate from 15 to 18 December 2024. If you require additional nights, kindly contact the hotel (hotel contact is listed below).

• Special rate of AED 550 (Single Occupancy, Superior Room) inclusive of breakfast and taxes) and AED 600 (Double Occupancy, Superior Room) inclusive of buffet breakfast, Wi-Fi Connection, included1 10% service charge, 4% tourism fee, 4% Municipality fee and 5% VAT).
• For reservations, please send an email with subject SPE AI Symposium to:
  Reservations team H7507-RE1@sofitel.com ; Nawras.ALFAKIH@sofitel.com

  T +971 2 813 7777

• Kindly book on or before 01 November 2024 to avail the discounted room rate.

General information:

• Check-in time: 15:00
• Check-out time: 12:00
• It is advisable to book the rooms the previous night if arriving early morning as to guarantee the rooms upon check-in
• Late check-out before 18:00: 50% of the room rate
• Late check-out after 18:00:  Full Room Rate

It is the delegate’s responsibility to obtain their own travel visa where applicable. SPE cannot issue visas, nor can we guarantee it will be obtained. An automated visa invitation letter link will be available in the confirmation email once delegate completes the registration. 

For more information on a UAE visa, please visit the websites:

• https://www.zayedinternationalairport.ae/en/TravelGuide/ArrivalGuide
• https://www.etihad.com/en-ae/fly-etihad/visas.

History of the Area:
The seven independent emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah came together to form the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the year 1971. Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the UAE.

Weather:
The U.A.E enjoys 365 days of warm sunshine, with cooler evenings and occasional showers in the months between November to March.

Time Zone:
The UAE is 4 hours ahead of GMT (+4 GMT)

Economy:  
The UAE is one of the world's wealthiest countries, with a GDP of US $54 billion (2000), and has the third-largest proven oil reserves in the world. While oil and gas production form its foundation, Dubai is increasingly broadening its economic activity to include: real estate, tourism, trading and manufacturing.

Currency:
The official currency of the UAE is the Arab Emirates Dirham (AED or DHS.). Each Dirham is divided into 100 fils and is held constant against the US Dollar at an average of 3.67. All banks operate from 8.00am to 1.00pm, Sunday through Thursday and 8.00am to 12.00pm on Saturdays. Currency exchange houses are open until late in the evening. All international credit and debit cards are widely accepted. Currency Converter

Electricity:
The standard electricity supply is 220/240 volts. American appliances may need a transformer.

Dress:
As in all Middle Eastern countries, respect for the local customs and sensibilities is recommended. Short, revealing or tight clothing can be worn, but it will attract attention. Lightweight summer clothing is suitable for most of the year, but something slightly warmer may be needed in the evening for the winter months. Please be sure to take some sort of jacket or sweater as February can get chilly in the evenings, also hotels and restaurants can be cold due to the air conditioning.

Language:
While Arabic is the official language, English is very widely spoken, especially in business. Given the large size of the expatriate population, several other languages are also used in everyday life, headed by Hindi, Urdu and Farsi.