Dubai – one of seven emirates that constitute the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – is safe, tolerant and cosmopolitan and has successfully combined a carefully preserved heritage with building toward a visionary future. That future involves healthcare and the need to focus on cardiovascular health in the region as national data indicates that cardiovascular disease continues to be the leading cause of mortality at 29 % within the U.A.E.
Known in the region as the “city of merchants”, Dubai has, for generations, welcomed seafarers and traders to its shores. Today, its tradition of courtesy and hospitality lives on. Dubai has something for everyone who is looking for a new and exciting experience. The city has superb facilities for sports, shopping, dining and entertainment. It has a rich cultural scene with art museums, film festivals and performing arts centers. Dubai is a city of excitement waiting to be explored holding the potential for one of the most significant international cities of the 21st century.

ACCESS
Dubai International Airport serves as a regional hub for 125 international carriers. Collectively, these airlines fly to over 200 destinations worldwide. The UAE’s location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa makes for easy accessibility. Most European capitals and other major cities have direct flights to Dubai:
Cairo: 3 Hrs 10 mins
Delhi: 3 Hrs 05 mins
Athens: 4 Hrs 20 mins
Moscow: 5 Hrs 00 mins
Venice: 5 Hrs 50 mins
Rome: 6 Hrs 20 mins
Geneva: 6 Hrs 30 mins
Paris: 6 Hrs 45 mins
Singapore: 7 Hrs 25 mins
Beijing: 7 Hrs 45 mins
London: 7 Hrs 55 mins
New York: 12 Hrs 50 mins
Melbourne: 13 Hrs 25 mins
Sao Paulo: 15 Hrs 15 mins
Abu Dhabi and Dubai are only a 90-minutes drive apart.

PASSPORTS AND VISAS
Visa on arrival
National citizens of the following countries and GCC citizens of are eligible for a non-renewable 30-day visa upon arrival at the approved ports of entry:
Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, Vatican.
It should be noted that this list may vary slightly from time to time and it is therefore best to check with your local UAE embassy or the airline that you are using to fly to the UAE.

Visa application prior to arrival
All other nationalities require to apply and obtain a visa prior to arrival in the UAE. View here the visa procedures and how to apply for a visa. For any questions regarding visas, please contact: wcc2012reg(at)mci-group.com

LANGUAGE
Although Arabic is the official language of the country, English is both widely spoken and understood. Even sign boards of business establishments and restaurants appear in both languages.
The official language of the World Congress of Cardiology Scientific Sessions will be English.

CULTURE, RELIGION AND LOCAL CUSTOMS
Islam being the predominant religion in UAE the local customs and traditions of UAE is influenced to a great extent by this religion. However it does not make UAE a closed society. It seeks to promote the best in its traditions and customs so that the nation becomes vibrant and attractive to all the people. Politeness and courteous behavior is very much visible while dealing with guest of any kind. As part of the local UAE custom the local men wear the traditional dishdasha or khandura, a white full-length shirt-dress. It is worn with a white or red-checkered headdress known as a gutra. Many local women wear the black abaya, a long black robe that covers their normal clothes and they also wear a headscarf in the public. However, foreign tourists and followers of other religions can wear any clothes that they like, even if some in public places they are expected to respect the local custom and tradition of UAE by maintaining modesty in public appearance.

THE CITY
The city of Dubai is the capital of the Emirate of Dubai and is located on the gulf cost. The city map of Dubai is available here.
The metro system is safe, modern and clean and it is a very convenient way to go around Dubai. View the metro map here. Taxis are available at the airports and in the city, and taxi drivers do speak English.

CLIMATE
The UAE has a sub-tropical, arid climate and blue skies can be expected most of the year. Rain is infrequent and falls mainly in winter. Temperatures range from a low of about 10.5°C/50°F to a high of 48°C/118°F. The mean daily maximum is 24°C/75°F in January rising to 41°C/105.8°F in July. Temperatures in April should be approximately 28°C/83°F.

CURRENCY
The currency of the UAE is Dirham (Dh), or the Arab Emirate Dirham (AED), as known in the international business. The UAE Dirham is tied to the US Dollar at a steady exchange rate of USD 1 = Dh 3.675. The UAE currency notes are available in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 Dirhams. One Dirham equals 100 fils. Coins are available in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 fils, and 1 Dirham. However, coins with a denomination below 25 fils are of little value and are rarely used in the market. Banks usually give the best rates on foreign currency exchange but hotels and airports provide quick services and remain open outside banking hours.

LOCAL TIME
The UAE is 3 hours ahead of GMT in summer and 4 hours in winter.

ELECTRIC POWER
The voltage used in Dubai is 220 V. 3 Pin plugs are the most commonly used however any hotel will be able to provide an adapter if needed.